International Folklore Festival “PARALIA SUMMER FEST”

With pleasure we INVITE you (Folk and Choral groups, orchestras, majorette teams), (children, youth and adults groups) to participate on III international folk dance and music festival “PARALIA SUMMER FEST” 11 – 15 June, Paralia, Greece 2025.

This festival is the perfect occasion for different groups from various countries to gather together so that they could express their culture and nation through dances, music and interesting national costumes.

The main idea of the organizers is to bring to the festival different choirs, folklore and modern dance groups, majorette teams and brass bands and orchestras from different countries and different parts of the world and to give them the exclusive opportunity to display their creativity on the stage.

The participants will have the opportunity to meet new people, establish new friendships and learn about different cultures and traditions.

The idea of the festival is to develop communication and dialogue between diverse cultures, by nurturing tradition, as well as modern dance and music styles.

Paralia (Greek: Παραλία) is a tourist seaside village and a former municipality in the eastern part of the Pieria regional unit, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Katerini, of which it is a municipal unit. The seat of the municipality was in Kallithea. The 2011 census reported a population of 1,124 for the village of Paralia, and 6,803 for the municipal unit. The community of Paralia covers an area of 1,849 km2. This idyllic, exotic and remote seaside place is the ideal escape for those who like long sandy beaches, relaxation and enjoyment. It is a destination designed to offer everything you need for the perfect vacation. In the evenings you can walk the streets of Paralia and enjoy the light of many shops, inviting you to forget about your worries and cares and to enjoy the colors and the glitter of all of the nice things that you can buy.

 Festival Program:

11 June 2025

• 00 Arriving in Paralia, hotel accommodation and meeting with the festival representatives, free time (beach time)
• 00 – 20.00 Diner in hotel
• 00 Free time for individual activities

12 June 2025

• 00 – 10.00 Breakfast
• 00 – 16.00 Boat excursion in the blue waters of Thermaikos Gulf (optional)
• 00 – 18.00 Diner in hotel
• 00 Ensemble parade and Official festival evening

13 June 2025

• 00 – 10.00 Breakfast
• 00 – 15.00 Meteori excursion with organized local tour guides, 210km OW – (one of the largest and most important complex of Greek Orthodox monasteries in Greece, build on natural sandstone rock pillars). Each group will go with their own bus. (optional) or free beach time
• 00 – 18.00 Diner in hotel
• 30 Second festival evening (optional)

14 June 2025

• 00 – 10.00 Breakfast
• 00 – Thessaloniki sightseeing with organized local tour guides, 99km OW (Optional) visiting the city filled with unique landmarks, white tower, many Byzantine churches, Aristotelous square etc. or time for individual activities (beach time, shopping…
• 00 – 20.00 Diner in hotel
• 00 Closing ceremony of the festival – certificates and presents for ensembles by organizer, exchange presents between leaders of ensembles and final party with all participants…

15 June 2025

• 00 – 10.00 Breakfast
• 00 Departure

 General rules for participation:

• In the festival can participate folklore groups, orchestras, majorettes, modern dance groups, choirs, music bands from all over the world.
• Non-competitive sample of traditional and modern dances, choral groups, majorette teams, orchestras, brass bands.
• Any group willing to participate must submit an Application form. All filled in and signed applications will mean acceptance of the terms laid by the present regulation.
• Ensemble should have prepared program, 10-15 minutes each with USB or orchestra. The performances will be in the evening hours so you can plan the day ahead and use it for visiting the historical part of the city.
• To send us short CV and 2 – 3 photos of the group by e-mail.
• Until 10th of May 2024 each group should send the list of participants, name/surname, sex, date of birth and passport number.
• To take a flag of the country.
• Folklore groups should have there own transport for arrival and departure.

Participation fee:

• 155 Еuro per person for 4 nights half board (2 meals per day)

It covers hotel accommodation (leaders and drivers in 2 double rooms and others in triple and quadruple rooms) with 2 meals per day in apartments or Basic hotel cattegories in  Paralia or Olympic Beach in Greece.

 Accommodation:

• We offer accommodation: It covers organizational expenses and accommodation in Hotels & Apartments.
• The groups will be accommodated in rooms with 3 and 4 beds with their own bathroom.
• Only 2 double rooms are available per group which can be used for the leaders and drivers.
• For any extra double room, the group should pay an extra 10 euro/person/day and for a single room an additional 20 euro per day.
• Hotels do not provide towels.
• If the group shows interest in extending the stay the organizers should be informed during the application process (the price for an extra night on a half-board basis is 38 euros per person).
• For a group of 25 people, you will have 1 free gratis.
• Airconditioning is 7 euros per room per day
• Tourist tax is 1.50 cents per person per day
• The groups will be accommodated after 12 PM, and leave the rooms before 10 AM.

Participation Fee does not include:

• Transport
• Optional Programs
• Insurance
• What is not specified in the above mentioned “the fee includes”

Groups arriving by plane will be transported from the hotels with organized buses and will be accompanied to their departure in the same conditions. The transfer from the airport to the hotel and back is paid additionally.

 By applying you confirm that you accept all festival conditions. All detailed information will be supply after your confirmation for participations.

 Invitation letter will be provided if needed

 Any group willing to participate must submit an Application form.  
Approved groups pay in advance a 10% guarantee fee, which is to be deducted at the final payment.

Next payment of 20% for booking of accommodation needs to be sent to the organizer.

Rest of the sum will be paid before the beginning of the festival or upon arrival regarding the permission and agreement with organizers.

 Thank you for participating at the Folklore Festival!