Director: Kaloyan Nikolov Organizers: Community center "Otets Paisiy 1896" town of Sozopol, Euro Folk Academy, Event Vacation With the support of: Sozopol Municipality Within the framework of Musical Feasts "Euro Folk" under the auspices of the European Association of Folklore Festivals - EAFF - ICH Partner of UNESCO Licence of World Association of Folklore Festivals - WAFF International Folklore Festival Sozopol 2026 is a competitive event which is a part of the Championship system of folklore of the European Association of Folklore Festivals - EAFF with the rank of International Championship. The evaluations of the groups participating in the competition programs of the Championship system are valid for ranking in the World ranking list of folklore. Musical Feasts "Euro Folk" have been held since 2003 in various cities and countries of Europe. Since 2007, they have been under the auspices of the European Association of Folklore Festivals - EAFF. LIVE TV broadcast on the Internet of all concerts on the website of "EurofolkTV": tv.eurofolk.com, YouTube Channel: @TVeurofolk, Facebook: EurofolkTV and EAFForg. Towns hosts: Sozopol (Bulgarian: Созопол) is a historic town and seaside resort located in southeastern Bulgaria, within Burgas Province. Situated about 35 km south of Burgas on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, Sozopol is one of the country’s oldest settlements, founded in the 7th century BC as the ancient Greek colony Apollonia Pontica. Today, it is a popular destination combining rich history, art, and summer recreation. The town features picturesque cobblestone streets, traditional wooden houses, and two main beaches – Central and Harmanite. The average July temperature is around 26–28°C, making Sozopol ideal for tourism. Nearby attractions include the St. Ivan Island nature reserve and the Ropotamo nature park. Purpose of the festival: The main task of the organizers is to give creative collectives the opportunity to perform and to include them in a competition program, determining the best of them and to promote them through modern information technologies. Providing a platform for cultural exchange where participants can show the rich cultural heritage through the diverse forms of folk art: music, song and dance. Expression of cultural identity. Promoting mutual respect and understanding between different nations and communities. Making new friendships. Preservation and promotion of traditional cultural elements through artistic performances that ensure their transmission from generation to generation. Regulation: To participate, the participants need accreditation, which is realized under the following conditions: Groups willing to participate must fill in an application form. There is no age or organizational affiliation limit for participants. It is recommended that groups for authentic folklore orient themselves to songs, melodies, customs and dances that are characteristic of the settlement and region they are from. Of great benefit will be the careful attitude to the costumes, props and musical accompaniment of the groups, which is of decisive importance. Participants can perform with orchestras (recommended) or with recorded music (on USB). No playback allowed. If a copyrighted work is used, the authors and arrangement must be indicated in the application form for participation. A link to a published YouTube video (if any) must be included in the application form. A short annotation and a photograph of the participant, not smaller than 1 MB, are sent after the confirmation of participation. These materials will be used for presentation publications. Each group should bring a flag of their country/ town or village and a flag of the group, if any, a board with the name of the group and the organization it represents, as well as a few gifts for visits to the Municipality or to exchange with the other participants. During the participation of the group, the organizers can invite it to take part in common events - Official opening, Official closing, parade, accompanying concerts, cocktail party, master class and others. The presence of invited groups is recommended. All participants organize their own travel to and from the place of conducting and pay their own travel expenses. The minimum period for participation is 3 days. Each group will have up to 2 participations. Groups who do not wish to participate in the competition program, but want to experience the euphoria of the festival and decide on future participation in the competition program, can participate under the same conditions. Formations that can take part in the competition program: vocal groups, folk choirs dance ensembles, dance clubs and schools for folk dances folklore ensembles wind and folk orchestras groups for recreating customs groups for old urban songs individual performers, duet and trio The duration of the program should not exceed: For individuals - 5 minutes For groups - 10 minutes For ensembles - up to 15 minutes * If the duration of the performance is longer than the above mentioned, the group should pay additional participation fee. Awards: The festival has a competitive nature and is an authorized qualification round of the Championship system of World Association of Folklore Festivals - WAFF. The big award is Grand Prix Golden "Orpheus" and a diploma. First awards "Orpheus" in the relevant categories and a diploma. All participants receive a Honorary sign, diploma for participation and laureates titles in the respective degree at the discretion of the jury committee. Recommendations for participation in a Championship of a higher rank. The awarding of the winners of the final ranking takes place at a special ceremony after the end of the competition program. At the discretion of the jury and the producers Euro Folk Academy the prominent art leaders are honored with a Diploma for obtaining the rank of Maestro or Maestro Academic. Diplomas are sent to the Ministry of Culture of the relevant country or the Mayors of municipalities with a request for a solemn awarding. All art directors, teachers, choreographers, group and ensemble leaders also receive the Thankful Diplomas of the festival sent by the relevant Ministry of culture of their country, or Local Municipalities with request for a solemn awarding. Preliminary Program: 10 June Welcoming of participants, tours, free program, beach 11 June Welcoming of participants, tours, free program, beach 16:00 - Meeting of the organizers with the artistic directors of the groups 12 June 09:00 - Tours, free program, beach 17:00 - Beginning of the competition program 21:30 - End of the competition program 13 June 09:00 - Tours, free program, beach 17:00 - Beginning of the competition program 21:00 - Official closing ceremony and announcement of the winners by categories and GRAND PRIX winner 21:30 - End of the program 14 June Departure of the participants 12:00 - Check out of hotels * The organizers reserve the right to change the program. Program of IFF Sozopol 2026 Participation fee: 3* Hotel - Callisto Royal *** - HB 144 Euro per person for 3 nights 192 Euro per person for 4 nights 240 Euro per person for 5 nights 3* Hotel Flagman *** BB 159 Euro per person for 3 nights 212 Euro per person for 4 nights 256 Euro per person for 5 nights 6 Euro additional to HB per day per person 19 Euro additional to ALL per day per person * In a group of 26 people - 1 person is free of charge (25+1). Participation fee includes: Participation in festival and competition program Professional sound, video and lighting equipment Accommodation in hotels 2/ 3/ 4* (rooms with 3 or 4 beds) Diplomas, awards, presentation materials Participation fee does not include: Transport Optional excursions Insurance Supplement for double room 12 € per person per day, supplement for single room is 50% of price of DBL, Aditional day 48/53 euro Everything which is not mentioned in "Participation fee includes" ***Additional Participation Fee*** Festival package 1 - accreditation: Groups - 12 Euro per person Individual participants/duo - 36 Euro Participation in the contest Program-book Poster, Branded magnet Festival package 2 - optional - 18 Euro per person: Branded Festival T-shirt Рersonal Branded badge Festival package 3 for groups - optional - 8 Euro per person: Рersonal Medal Personal diploma for participation * Festival Package 1 is mandatory and payable for participants. Accompanying persons do not pay this fee. /Drivers, artistic directors, parents, VIPs and fans./ ** Festival package 2 is optional and can also be ordered for accompanying persons. ** Festival package 3 is optional. *** Branded T-shirts are made according to given dimensions. You will receive a size chart when ordering. Festival package 2 and 3 must be ordered at least 30 days before the start of the festival. **** Information about the named diplomas and Branded badges must be submitted up to 30 days before the start of the festival. ***** For participation by groups that do not use the organizers' accommodation package, the accreditation fee for participation is increased by 10 euros per person. Registration of the participants: Registration of the participants, receipt of the presentation materials, signing and handing over of contracts and clarifications on the program will be carried out from 11:00 to 14:00 by the person in charge of the group /artistic director/ at the registration office in Community center "Otets Paisiy 1896", Sozopol, Bulgaria. Accommodation of the groups after 14:00. Rooms are vacated by 10:00. General Conditions: Completed application forms mean acceptance of the terms stated in the present regulation. Participation fee is paid by bank transfer. The sender covers all the bank fees. Invoices are received electronically or at the office upon registration. In case of unforeseen or force majeure circumstances, the organizer reserves the right to make changes. In accordance with the current economic situation, in the event of an increase in prices, the organizers reserve the right to make adjustments. Unambiguous text: The collectives or presenting organizations, if approved by the jury to participate, give the organizers the right to be recorded on video and audio, arranged in a program, presenting the fest and broadcasted by a TV channel or in some other way, for which a contract agreement will be signed. 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 step: payment of 15% for booking the accommodation. Payment of the rest of the sum 75% - 15 days before the beginning of the festival, or upon arrival during the registration with permission of organizers.
Organizers: Community center "Otets Paisiy 1896" town of Sozopol, Euro Folk Academy, Event Vacation With the support of: Sozopol Municipality Within the framework of Musical Feasts "Euro Folk" under the auspices of the European Association of Folklore Festivals - EAFF - ICH Partner of UNESCO Licence of World Association of Folklore Festivals - WAFF International Folklore Festival Sozopol 2026 is a competitive event which is a part of the Championship system of folklore of the European Association of Folklore Festivals - EAFF with the rank of International Championship. The evaluations of the groups participating in the competition programs of the Championship system are valid for ranking in the World ranking list of folklore. Musical Feasts "Euro Folk" have been held since 2003 in various cities and countries of Europe. Since 2007, they have been under the auspices of the European Association of Folklore Festivals - EAFF. LIVE TV broadcast on the Internet of all concerts on the website of "EurofolkTV": tv.eurofolk.com, YouTube Channel: @TVeurofolk, Facebook: EurofolkTV and EAFForg. Towns hosts: Sozopol (Bulgarian: Созопол) is a historic town and seaside resort located in southeastern Bulgaria, within Burgas Province. Situated about 35 km south of Burgas on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, Sozopol is one of the country’s oldest settlements, founded in the 7th century BC as the ancient Greek colony Apollonia Pontica. Today, it is a popular destination combining rich history, art, and summer recreation. The town features picturesque cobblestone streets, traditional wooden houses, and two main beaches – Central and Harmanite. The average July temperature is around 26–28°C, making Sozopol ideal for tourism. Nearby attractions include the St. Ivan Island nature reserve and the Ropotamo nature park. Purpose of the festival: The main task of the organizers is to give creative collectives the opportunity to perform and to include them in a competition program, determining the best of them and to promote them through modern information technologies. Providing a platform for cultural exchange where participants can show the rich cultural heritage through the diverse forms of folk art: music, song and dance. Expression of cultural identity. Promoting mutual respect and understanding between different nations and communities. Making new friendships. Preservation and promotion of traditional cultural elements through artistic performances that ensure their transmission from generation to generation. Regulation: To participate, the participants need accreditation, which is realized under the following conditions: Groups willing to participate must fill in an application form. There is no age or organizational affiliation limit for participants. It is recommended that groups for authentic folklore orient themselves to songs, melodies, customs and dances that are characteristic of the settlement and region they are from. Of great benefit will be the careful attitude to the costumes, props and musical accompaniment of the groups, which is of decisive importance. Participants can perform with orchestras (recommended) or with recorded music (on USB). No playback allowed. If a copyrighted work is used, the authors and arrangement must be indicated in the application form for participation. A link to a published YouTube video (if any) must be included in the application form. A short annotation and a photograph of the participant, not smaller than 1 MB, are sent after the confirmation of participation. These materials will be used for presentation publications. Each group should bring a flag of their country/ town or village and a flag of the group, if any, a board with the name of the group and the organization it represents, as well as a few gifts for visits to the Municipality or to exchange with the other participants. During the participation of the group, the organizers can invite it to take part in common events - Official opening, Official closing, parade, accompanying concerts, cocktail party, master class and others. The presence of invited groups is recommended. All participants organize their own travel to and from the place of conducting and pay their own travel expenses. The minimum period for participation is 3 days. Each group will have up to 2 participations. Groups who do not wish to participate in the competition program, but want to experience the euphoria of the festival and decide on future participation in the competition program, can participate under the same conditions. Formations that can take part in the competition program: vocal groups, folk choirs dance ensembles, dance clubs and schools for folk dances folklore ensembles wind and folk orchestras groups for recreating customs groups for old urban songs individual performers, duet and trio The duration of the program should not exceed: For individuals - 5 minutes For groups - 10 minutes For ensembles - up to 15 minutes * If the duration of the performance is longer than the above mentioned, the group should pay additional participation fee. Awards: The festival has a competitive nature and is an authorized qualification round of the Championship system of World Association of Folklore Festivals - WAFF. The big award is Grand Prix Golden "Orpheus" and a diploma. First awards "Orpheus" in the relevant categories and a diploma. All participants receive a Honorary sign, diploma for participation and laureates titles in the respective degree at the discretion of the jury committee. Recommendations for participation in a Championship of a higher rank. The awarding of the winners of the final ranking takes place at a special ceremony after the end of the competition program. At the discretion of the jury and the producers Euro Folk Academy the prominent art leaders are honored with a Diploma for obtaining the rank of Maestro or Maestro Academic. Diplomas are sent to the Ministry of Culture of the relevant country or the Mayors of municipalities with a request for a solemn awarding. All art directors, teachers, choreographers, group and ensemble leaders also receive the Thankful Diplomas of the festival sent by the relevant Ministry of culture of their country, or Local Municipalities with request for a solemn awarding. Preliminary Program: 10 June Welcoming of participants, tours, free program, beach 11 June Welcoming of participants, tours, free program, beach 16:00 - Meeting of the organizers with the artistic directors of the groups 12 June 09:00 - Tours, free program, beach 17:00 - Beginning of the competition program 21:30 - End of the competition program 13 June 09:00 - Tours, free program, beach 17:00 - Beginning of the competition program 21:00 - Official closing ceremony and announcement of the winners by categories and GRAND PRIX winner 21:30 - End of the program 14 June Departure of the participants 12:00 - Check out of hotels * The organizers reserve the right to change the program. Program of IFF Sozopol 2026 Participation fee: 3* Hotel - Callisto Royal *** - HB 144 Euro per person for 3 nights 192 Euro per person for 4 nights 240 Euro per person for 5 nights 3* Hotel Flagman *** BB 159 Euro per person for 3 nights 212 Euro per person for 4 nights 256 Euro per person for 5 nights 6 Euro additional to HB per day per person 19 Euro additional to ALL per day per person * In a group of 26 people - 1 person is free of charge (25+1). Participation fee includes: Participation in festival and competition program Professional sound, video and lighting equipment Accommodation in hotels 2/ 3/ 4* (rooms with 3 or 4 beds) Diplomas, awards, presentation materials Participation fee does not include: Transport Optional excursions Insurance Supplement for double room 12 € per person per day, supplement for single room is 50% of price of DBL, Aditional day 48/53 euro Everything which is not mentioned in "Participation fee includes" ***Additional Participation Fee*** Festival package 1 - accreditation: Groups - 12 Euro per person Individual participants/duo - 36 Euro Participation in the contest Program-book Poster, Branded magnet Festival package 2 - optional - 18 Euro per person: Branded Festival T-shirt Рersonal Branded badge Festival package 3 for groups - optional - 8 Euro per person: Рersonal Medal Personal diploma for participation * Festival Package 1 is mandatory and payable for participants. Accompanying persons do not pay this fee. /Drivers, artistic directors, parents, VIPs and fans./ ** Festival package 2 is optional and can also be ordered for accompanying persons. ** Festival package 3 is optional. *** Branded T-shirts are made according to given dimensions. You will receive a size chart when ordering. Festival package 2 and 3 must be ordered at least 30 days before the start of the festival. **** Information about the named diplomas and Branded badges must be submitted up to 30 days before the start of the festival. ***** For participation by groups that do not use the organizers' accommodation package, the accreditation fee for participation is increased by 10 euros per person. Registration of the participants: Registration of the participants, receipt of the presentation materials, signing and handing over of contracts and clarifications on the program will be carried out from 11:00 to 14:00 by the person in charge of the group /artistic director/ at the registration office in Community center "Otets Paisiy 1896", Sozopol, Bulgaria. Accommodation of the groups after 14:00. Rooms are vacated by 10:00. General Conditions: Completed application forms mean acceptance of the terms stated in the present regulation. Participation fee is paid by bank transfer. The sender covers all the bank fees. Invoices are received electronically or at the office upon registration. In case of unforeseen or force majeure circumstances, the organizer reserves the right to make changes. In accordance with the current economic situation, in the event of an increase in prices, the organizers reserve the right to make adjustments. Unambiguous text: The collectives or presenting organizations, if approved by the jury to participate, give the organizers the right to be recorded on video and audio, arranged in a program, presenting the fest and broadcasted by a TV channel or in some other way, for which a contract agreement will be signed. 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 step: payment of 15% for booking the accommodation. Payment of the rest of the sum 75% - 15 days before the beginning of the festival, or upon arrival during the registration with permission of organizers.