International CAPPADOCIA Folk Dance and Music Festival

Cappadocia is famous for the unique rock formations and amazing hot air ballooning opportunities, the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia are one of Turkey’s most popular natural wonders. Unusual honeycombed boulders rise from the plateau of Central Anatolia and have, over the centuries, served as the backdrop for a history equally as fascinating. The region was once the heartland of the Hittite Empire and later gave rise to some of Christianity’s earliest philosophers. Cappadocia is now a prime tourist destination and one of the best places to visit in Turkey.

It is interesting to know that three to four million years ago a series of volcanic eruptions shook the Central Anatolian area, forming what we now know as the Cappadocia fairies or ‘Cotton Castles’. The name Cappadocia derives from the Persian word Katpaktukya, which means ‘the land of beautiful horses’ for in ancient times the region was known for its equine offering. Horses are still important to the locals who call Cappadocia home and they also offer an alternative mode of transport for visitors.

There are a number of underground cities in Cappadocia, some connected by a network of tunnels. These subterranean settlements were made possible thanks to the pliability of the soft rock. Many are open to visitors, however, a lot of the land in the area is private property.

There are as many as 600 churches carved from the soft Cappadocian rock, and possibly many more that have not yet been discovered. These churches date back to Medieval times and display beautifully painted frescoes, which have retained an amazing amount of colour and detail over the centuries. Some painted figures have had their eyes scratched out by superstitious locals afraid of the Evil Eye.

Program:

21.00 Welcome reception with the leaders of the groups

• Welcome Speech
• Open air performance
• Singing and dancing together

20.0 Second festival evening in the square of the city

21.00 Closing ceremony of the festival – after the 3^rd festival event certificates and presents for ensembles by organizer, exchange presents between leaders of ensembles…

General rules for participation:

• In the festival can participate folklore groups, orchestras, majorettes, modern dance groups, choirs and music bands from all over the world.
• Non-competitive sample of traditional and modern dances, choral groups, majorette teams, orchestras, brass bands festival.
• Ensemble should have prepared at least 2 dances, 08-12 minutes each with USB or orchestra.
• Folklore groups should take a flag of their country and minimum 4 gifts for the municipality visits and organizers.
• 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.
• The number of the participants are limited (only 3 groups from each country).
• Groups have to send us short CV and few photos of the group by e-mail.
• Until 15th of August 2022 each group should send the list of participants, name/surname, sex, date of birth and passport number.
• Folklore groups should have there own transport for arrival and departure.

Participation fee:

• 119 Euro for 3HB per person (3 nights with 2 meals per day)
• 149 Euro for 4 HB per person (4 nights with 2 meals per day)

• Addition day can be booked for 38 euro/person/day with half board service
• Groups of 25 persons: One group leader free of charge!

Participation fee includes:

• Participation in the festival concerts,
• Professional sound, stage and light equipment.
• Accommodation in 4* Hotels (3 bedded rooms, supplement for a double room is 5€/person/day, supplement for single room is 10€/person/day),
• Half Board hotel accommodation
• Welcome cocktails with the leaders of the groups
• Souvenir and gift for each group
• Certificate for attendance
• Drinks during the performance

Participation fee does not include:

• Transport (for arrival and departure)
• Optional Tour Programs
• Insurance
• What is not specified in the above mentioned “the fee includes”