Директор: Mr. Aleksandar Mojsoski With pleasure we INVITE you (Folk and Choral groups, orchestras, majorette teams), (children, youth and adults groups) to participate on I International folk dance and music festival "DURRES FEST" 25-29 June 2024, Durres, Albania 2024. 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. Durrës is the second largest city of Albania located on the central Albanian coast, about 33 km west of the capital Tirana. It is one of the most ancient and economically significant cities of Albania. Durrës is home to Albania’s main port, the Port of Durrës, and to the newest public university, the Aleksandër Moisiu University. Durrës is an important link to Western Europe due to its port and its proximity to the Italian port cities, notably Bari, to which daily ferries run. As well as the dockyard, it also possesses an important shipyard and manufacturing industries, notably producing leather, plastic and tobacco products. Some important buildings in Durrës include the main library, the cultural center with the Aleksandër Moisiu Theatre, the Estrada Theater, the puppet theater, and the philharmonic orchestra. There are also several museums such as the Durrës Archaeological Museum, Royal Villa of Durrës and the Museum of History (the house of Aleksandër Moisiu). The city hosts the Durrës Ancient City Wall called also Durrës Castle while the largest amphitheatre in the Balkans is located in the city close to the harbor. This first-century construction is currently under consideration for inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The southern coastal stretch is renowned for its traditional mass beach tourism having experienced uncontrolled urban development. The city’s beaches are also a popular destination for many foreign and local tourists, with an estimated 800,000 tourists visiting annually. Many Albanians from Tirana and elsewhere spend their summer vacations on the beaches of Durrës. In 2012, new water sanitation systems are being installed to completely eliminate sea water pollution. In contrast, the northern coastal stretch is mostly unspoiled and set to become an elite tourism destination as a number of beach resorts are being built since 2009. Neighboring districts are known for the production of good wine and a variety of foodstuffs. Festival program: 25 June 2024 14.00 Arriving in Durres, hotel accommodation and meeting with the festival representatives, free time (beach time) 18.00 – 20.00 Diner in hotel 21.00 Welcome reception with the leaders of the groups 26 June 2024 08.00 – 10.00 Breakfast 10.00 – 15.00 Durres sightseeing with organized local tour guides (optional) or free time in the beach 17.00 – 18.00 Diner in hotel 19.00 Ensemble parade and Official festival evening in the square of Durres city 27 June 2024 08.00 – 10.00 Breakfast 10.00 – 16.00 Kruje sightseeing with organized local tour guides – visiting historical monuments and museum (optional) with own buses or free beach time 17.00 – 18.00 Diner in hotel 19.00 Second festival evening (optional) 28 June 2024 08.00 – 10.00 Breakfast 10.00 – 16.00 Tirana sightseeing with organized local tour guides – visiting historical monuments and museum (optional) with own buses or free beach time 17.00 – 18.00 Diner in hotel 21.30 Closing ceremony of the festival - final party with all participants, discotheque with all the festival participants 29 June 2024 08.00 – 10.00 Breakfast 10.00 Departure *Festival organizer keeps the right to change the festival program 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. The number of the participants are limited (only 3 groups from each country). Ensemble should have prepared at least 2 dances, 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 the middle 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: 125 Euro for 3 HB per person (3 nights with 2 meals per day) 159 Euro for 4 HB per person (4 nights with 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 3* HOTELS in Durres, Albania. Addition day can be booked for 39 euro/person/day Groups of 25 persons: One group leader free of charge! (24+1) On your request we can arrange better quality 4* hotel accommodation in Durres, Albania. Participation fee includes: Participation in the festival concerts, Accommodation in 3* Hotels (3-4 bedded rooms, supplement for a double room is 5€/person/day, supplement for single room is +70% of the total price), Half board hotel accommodation Welcome meeting with the leaders of the groups Souvenir and gift for each group Certificate for attendance Participation fee does not include: Transport Optional Programs Insurance and city tax 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.