The International youth festival of arts (IYFA) “Muzite” (in English “The Muses”) a multi-genre youth festival and contest of different forms of arts: dance, music, theater, fine & applied arts and crafts, non-standard forms, fiction and film. The festival hosted close to 2,000 participants from 25th countries and is one of the biggest youth events in Eastern Europe. The Muses festival is organized by the Association “Muzite” in a partnership with the Municipality of Sozopol and it is held annually  from  5th to 15th July  in the town of Sozopol, Bulgaria.

Sessions and arts:

There are two main sessions:
- 1st Session: 5th to 10th of July.  Arts included in the first session: Dance, Non-standard art forms (including but not limited to fire shows, circus arts, martial arts, fashion and more…), Fiction literature and Film
- 2nd Session: 10th to 15th of July. Arts included in the second : Music, Fine & Applied arts, Photography" and Theatre.

Who is invited to participate:

  • Ensembles and soloists from the art schools, academies, schools, studios, cultural centers , children and youth from 5 to 35 years in a competitive and non-competitive program.
  • Adults over 35 years old are invited to participate as special guests.
  • There is no limit to the number of performing ensembles and the number of participants in each formation
  • All participants can participate in the competitions and in the non-competitive program of the festival.
  • Audience input is free!
Arrival and departure:
  • Arrival to Sozopol for the first session – 05th July; departure – 10th July.
  • Arrival to Sozopol for the second session – 10th July, departure – 15th July.
Participants may join the two sessions. Any stay before or after the festival period must be approved by the festival organizers. Prices for the extended period of stay are subject to negatiation with the festival.

Participation rules:

  • In order to register for participation, please fill all the details of the registration form and email it together with the corresponding pictures.
  • All applicants are required to pay a deposit of 30% (thirty percent) of the total amount. In case  of a cancelation of the application prior to the deadline, the 30% deposit is non-refundable.
  • Please consult the price carefully prior to processing the payment.
  • Your application will be reviewed and confirmed by email after the application package and the payments are received.
  • The remaining participation fee should be paid not later than 30 calendar days prior to the beginning of the festival, i.e, not later than May 31st.
Participants in the festival perform in the relevant age group as follows:.
  • First age group: From 5 to 12 years old.
  • Second age group: From 13 to 18 years old.
  • Third age group:  From 19 to 35 years old.
  • Fourth age group: From 35 years old.
Each collective of each age group is allowed to have 30% of participants from the older or younger age group.

Schedules, rehearsals and performances rules:

  • The competition program will be scheduled by the organizers  on the basis of the applications received.
  • The order of performances in the competition is determined by the organizers committee in advance.
  • The order of the performances in the competition depends on the age of the participants (from junior to senior age groups) and the art form
  • The programme is announced during the rehearsals for the respective day.
  • Each soloist has up to 1 minute for technical rehearsal, the groups have up to 3 minutes and the ensembles (over 30 people) have up to 5 minutes.
  • The rehearsal includes a quick sound & light check.
  • Rehearsal order follows the order of the program and Changes to the program are not allowed no changes are allowed.
  • Each team and individual artist participates with a different program. Same performance is not allowed in two programs.
  • Each team and soloist participate with two performances in the competition and with one performance in the closing session concert (laureates only), which are previously indicated in the application form.
  • Participants participate in parades, field trips, workshops and other events
Soundtracks and background music:
Participants are required to submit to the organizers TOGETHER with the application the music or the audio recordings for their performance. Allowed audio formats: MP3 or WAV.  The audio files MUST be named as follows:
Name of the participant_Name of The Track_Duration.MP3
Name of the participant_Name of The Track_Duration.WAV
Name _3_45.WAV
  • The texts for the printing of the diplomas, certificates and letters of appreciation are prepared in advance in accordance with the information provided in the application form. In the event of spelling errors in the information provided to them, the organizers are not responsible for the errors that may occur.
  • Organizational and technical meetings with the writer, director, concert leaders, technical team (sound, lighting and special effects), managers of teams and individual participants are held each day.
  • Managers of the festival recommend that creative formations and soloists learn the text, music and choreography of the anthem of The Muses Festival and carry the national flag of their country.
  • The group leaders are fully responsible for their teams, costumes and belongings.
  • The team leaders alone determine the concert program.

Important: For their participation in the Festival the ensembles and the individual participants should have prepared the following types of programs:

- participation in the competition program: two performances for participation in the contest with a duration stipulated in the Status quo of the festival;
- marches and processions along the main streets of the town of Sozopol - groups carry the national flag of their country and the flag of the team (if any) procession fragments up to 3 minutes.
- Solemn Gala Concert at the Closing program of the Festival up to 5 minutes for collectives and 3 minutes for chamber and solo performers;
- Sending audio, pictures or video material you warrant that you are the owner of the
copyright holders.
Attention: Performances that include offensive or none-respectful language or gesture will not be tolerated. Violence and or offence of any kind is strictly prohibited!

Program:

05.07. Wednesday
07:00 - 14:00 "Black Sea" sq. Arrival of 1st festival session participants and accommodation in hotels.
14:00 - 16:00 Community center  "Father Paissiy", conference hall. Registration of the participants. Organizational and technical meeting.
16:00 - 18:00 Community center  "Father Paissiy", conference hall. Literary meetings - program in sections  “Literary art”.
16:00 - 18:00  Summer theatre "Apolonia". Technical rehearsal for the festival opening ceremony, rehearsal for Nations Evening revue and rehearsal in section  "Dance art", categories “Ballroom dances”,  “Street dances”, and "Cheerleaders (majorette) dances" – all age groups.
19:30 - 20:00  Parade of the participants on a route : Secondary School “St. St. Cyril and Methodius", “Odessa” street,  “Ropotamo” street, "Black Sea" Square, “Republican” street and Summer theatre "Apolonia".
20:00 - 20:30  Summer theatre "Apolonia". Opening ceremony of 17th International Youth Festival of Arts “The Muses”.
20:30 - 21:30  Summer theatre "Apolonia". Nations Evening - Revue of the embassies with traditional national costumes.
21:30 - 22:30 Summer theatre "Apolonia". Competition in section  "Dance art", categories “Ballroom dances”,  “Street dances”, and "Cheerleaders (majorette) dances" – all age groups.
22:30 - 23:30 Sozopol club.A meeting for guests, partners and group leaders.
 
06.07. Thursday
09:00 - 20:00 Alley in front of summer theater "Apolonia". "Together for the talents of the Muses" - a charity bazaar with initiatives of embassies and partners and presentation of the cause.
11:00 - 13:00 Sozopol central beach. Meeting of the participants and partners' initiatives.
15:00 - 18:00 Community center  "Father Paissiy", conference hall. Competition in section  “Literary art” – all age groups.
16:00 - 18:00  Summer theatre "Apolonia". Rehearsal: section “Dance art”, category “Contemporary dances” – all age groups.
18:30 - 23:00  Summer theatre "Apolonia". Competition program in section  "Dance art", category “Contemporary dances” – all age groups.
 
07.07. Friday
10:00 - 15:00  "Black Sea" sq.  Tours to Nessebar, Sunny Beach Aqua Park, Primorsko Aqua Park, Sozopol Aqua Park.
16:00 - 18:00  Summer theatre "Apolonia". Rehearsal in section "Dance art", category “Classical dances” – all age groups and rehearsal in section "Non-standard forms".
18:30 - 22:00  Summer theatre "Apolonia". Competition in section  "Dance art", category Classical dances” – all age groups.
22:00 - 23:00  Summer theatre "Apolonia". Program in section "Non-standard forms" and festival appearances of participants outside the competition of all arts.
 
08.07. Saturday
10:00 - 11:00  Port Sozopol. Boat trip around Sozopol bay.
10:00 - 12:00  “Black Sea” Square. Trip to the Castle of Ravadinovo.
16:00 - 18:00  Summer theatre "Apolonia". Rehearsal in section “Dance art”, category “Folklore dances” – all age groups.
18:30 - 23:00  Summer theatre "Apolonia”. Competition in section  "Dance art", category “Folklore dances” – all age groups.
 
09.07. Sunday
10:00 - 12:00  Workshop led by jury members.
16:00 - 18:00  Summer theatre "Apolonia". Rehearsal of the prize-winning artists who will participate in the Gala concert closing the first festival session.
16:00 - 18:00  Community center  "Father Paissiy", conference hall. Meeting of the Jury with groups’ representatives.
19:00 - 23:00  Summer theatre "Apolonia". Announcement and awarding of winners. Gifts from sponsors. Announcement and awarding with special prizes in sections: "Dance art", “Literary art” and "Non-standard forms". Gala-concert of the first session laureates.
23:00 - 24:00 Sozopol central beach. Club 365. Disco for all participants.
 
10.07. Monday
07:00 - 14:00 "Black Sea" sq.  Arrival of participants in the second session and accommodation in hotels.
14:00 - 16:00 Community center  "Father Paissiy", conference hall. Organizational and technical meeting, registration of  the participants.
16:00 - 18:00 Community center  "Father Paissiy", conference hall. Cinema challenge - program in the Cinema section..
16:00 - 18:00  Summer theatre "Apolonia". Rehearsal for second session opening ceremony.
18:00 - 19:00  Community Center "Father Paissiy".  Lobby theatre hall. Opening of an exhibition "Bulgaria in my dreams" by the State Agency for Bulgarians Abroad and the participants in the competition in section ”Fine art, applied arts and photography”
19:30 - 20:00  Parade of the participants on a the route: Secondary School “St. St. Cyril and Methodius", “Odessa”  street,  “Ropotamo” street, "Black Sea" Square, “Republican” street and Summer theatre "Apolonia".
20:00 - 20:30  Summer theatre "Apolonia". Opening ceremony of the second session of the 17th International Youth Festival of Arts “The Muses”.
20:30 - 22:30  Summer theatre "Apolonia". Non-competition music and dance program.
22:30 - 24:00 Sozopol club. A meeting for guests, partners and group leaders.
 
11.07. Tuesday
09:00 - 20:00  Alley in front of summer theater "Apolonia". "The Art of Creating" - creative workshops for arts, crafts and cooking..
09:00 - 12:00  Sozopol central beach. Meeting of the participants and partners' initiatives.
10:00 - 14:00  Community center  "Father Paissiy", theatre hall. Rehearsal in section “Theatre”.
14:00 - 20:00  Community center  "Father Paissiy", theatre hall. Competition in section "Theatre".
15:00 - 18:00 Community center  "Father Paissiy", conference hall. Competition in section Cinema – all age groups
16:00 - 18:00  Summer theatre "Apolonia". Rehearsal in section  "Music art", categories “Folklore song” and “Folklore musical instruments”.
17:00 - 18:00  Art Gallery of Sozopol (old school). Rehearsal in section  "Music art", categories “Classical musical instruments” and “Classical singing” (in a hall) – all age groups.
18.00 - 21.00  Art Gallery of Sozopol (old school). Competition program: section  "Music art", categories “Classical musical instruments” and “Classical singing” (in a hall) – all age groups.
21:00 - 22:00  Summer theatre "Apolonia". Competition: section  "Music art", categories “Folklore song” and “Folklore musical instruments”.
22:00 - 23:00  Summer theatre "Apolonia". Non-competition music and dance program.
 
12.07. Wednesday
10:00 - 15:00  "Black Sea" sq. Tours to Nessebar, Sunny Beach Aqua Park, Primorsko Aqua Park, Sozopol Aqua Park.
10:00 - 14:00  Community center  "Father Paissiy", theatre hall. Rehearsal in section “Theatre”.
14.00 - 18.00  Community center  "Father Paissiy", Foyer of a theater hall. Competition program in section  ”Fine art, applied arts and photography”.
14:00 - 18:00 Community center  "Father Paissiy", conference hall. Competition in section Cinema – all age groups
14:00 - 20:00  Community center  "Father Paissiy", theatre hall. Competition in section "Theatre".
16:00 - 18:00  Summer theatre "Apolonia". Rehearsal in section  "Music art", category “Classical musical instruments” - orchestras.
19:00 - 22:00  Summer theatre "Apolonia". Competition in section  "Music art" , category “Classical musical instruments” - orchestras.
22:30 - 24:00 Sozopol club. Summer cinema on the beach.
 
13.07. Thursday
10:00 - 11:00  Port Sozopol. Boat trip around Sozopol bay.
10:00 - 12:00  “Black Sea” Square. Trip to the Castle of Ravadinovo.
10:00 - 14:00  Community center  "Father Paissiy", theatre hall. Rehearsal in section “Theatre”.
14:00 - 18:00  Community center  "Father Paissiy", conference hall. Competition in section  ”Cinema”.
14:00 - 21:00  Community center  "Father Paissiy", theatre hall. Competition in section "Theatre".
16:00 - 18:00  Summer theatre "Apolonia". Rehearsal in section  "Music art", category “Pop, rock and jazz music” – all age groups.
18:30 - 23:00  Summer theatre "Apolonia": Competition in section  "Music art", category “Pop, rock and jazz music” – all age groups.
 
14.07. Friday
16:00 - 18:00  Summer theatre "Apolonia". Rehearsal of the prize-winning artists who will participate in the Gala concert closing the second session of the festival.
16:00 - 18:00  Community center  "Father Paissiy", conference hall.  Meeting of the Jury with groups’ representatives.
19:00 - 23:00  Summer theatre "Apolonia". Announcement and awarding of winners. Gifts from sponsors. Announcement and awarding with special prizes in sections: "Theatre", "Music art", "Cinema" and ”Fine art, applied arts and photography”. Gala concert of the laureates.
23:00 - 24:00 Sozopol central beach. Club 365. Disco for all participants.
 
15.07. Saturday
07:00 - 12:00  "Black Sea" sq.  Departure of participants in the second session.
21:00 - 22:00  Summer theatre "Apolonia". Water Puppet Show of Vietnam National Puppetry Theatre and The Embassy of the SR Vietnam in Sofia
 
The 17 edition of IYFA "The Muses" will be held from 5th to 15th July 2023 in the town of Sozopol, Bulgaria, in two sessions as follows:
  • First session: arrival of participants July 5th, 2023, departure - July 10th 2023
  • Second session: Arrival of participants July 10th, 2023, departure – July 15th, 2023
Participants can stay for both sessions for the entire 10 days. Accomomdation, before or after the festival period (5-15 July)  is possible upon confirmation by the organizers. Prices are negotiable
Application and registration procedure:
  • In order to register, please fill all the details of the registration form herein and email it together with the corresponding pictures.
  • All applicants are required to pay 10% guarantee fee to EAFF, which is to be deducted from the total amount.
  • All applicants are required to pay a deposit of 30% (thirty percent) of the total amount. In case of a cancelation of the application prior to the deadline, the 30% deposit is non-refundable.
  • Please consult the price carefully prior to processing the payment.
  • Your application will be reviewed and confirmed by email after the application package and the payments are received.
  • The remaining participation fee should be paid not later than 30 calendar days prior to the beginning of the festival, i.e, not later than May 30st, 2023.
Cancellation policy:
In case of a cancelation prior to the official deadline (May 30th, 2020), the deposit of 30% is non- refundable.
Should you want to renew a previously cancelled application, please speak with the organizers of the festival and re-negociate the conditions
  • Please note that the quoted prices are listed in Euros.
  • All prices are per 1 (one) person.
  • The accommodation is full board – breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Participation fee:

ACCOMMODATION IN GUEST HOUSES
  • 205 EUR for 6 days/5 nights per person (5-10 July)* (10-15 July)*
  • 355 EUR  for 11 days/10 nights per person (5-15 July)*
ACCOMMODATION IN HOTELS 2 **
  • 235 EUR for 6 days/5 nights per person (5-10 July)* (10-15 July)*
  • 415 EUR for 11 days/10 nights per person (5-15 July)*     
ACCOMMODATION IN HOTELS 3 ***
  • 265 EUR for 6 days/5 nights per person (5-10 July)* (10-15 July)*
  • 485 EUR for 11 days/10 nights per person (5-15 July)*
For group of 20 people, one is accommodated free of charge. (20 paying participants + 1 free of charge)
Please, note that the prices are applicable to all members of the delegation (participants, managers, parents, fans).

Participation fee includes:

  • Organizational and technical support of the festival events;
  • Accommodation in 2 * or 3 *and guest house in studios and apartments with 3 and 4 beds for participants in  Sozopol; (There is accommodation in Primorsko, Sunny Beach and Kiten);
  • 5- or 10-day full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner);
  • 2-times feeding (breakfast  and dinner) in restaurant 2*or 3*.

Participation fee includes participation in the contest or the non-competition program in one section and one category of art. Participation in the competition in other sections and arts category and for soloists is available for an additional fee.

Optional accomodation:
The festival offers accomodation (no meals included) at the following prices:
Accommodation in guesthouses:
  • 140 EUR for 6 days / 5 nights (5-10 July), * (10 – 15July) *
  • 235 EUR for 11 days / 10 nights (5 – 15July) *
Accommodation in hotels 2**
  • 170 EUR for 6 days / 5 nights (5-10 July), * (10 – 15July) *
  • 290 EUR for 11 days / 10 nights (5 – 15July) *
Accommodation in hotels 3***
  • 205 EUR for 6 days / 5 nights (5-10 July), * (10 – 15July) *
  • 360 EUR for 11 days / 10 nights (5 – 15July) *
Note:
accommodation in 2 * hotel - extra charge 10 EUR for five days and 20 EUR for 5 days;

accommodation in 3 * hotel - extra charge 20 EUR for five days and 40 EUR for 10 days.

Please, note that the prices are applicable to all members of the delegation (participants, managers, parents, fans).

Additional accommodation offers:
Should you prefer an accommodation in a room with one or two beds, prices can be negotiated.
Should you prefer an accomodation in a single room or an individual accommodation in a double room, prices are negotiable. Please speak with the festival organizers.
We also offer an accommodation in 4 and 5-star hotels. For more information and prices, please contact the organizers
Meal policy:        
For the first session: first service - dinner on July 5
For the second session: first service - dinner on July 10
Discounts:
  • For group of 20 people, one is accommodated free of charge. (20 paying participants + 1 free of charge)
  • Children of up to 2 years of age are accommodated free of charge
  • Children of up to 6 years of age are accomodated at 30% discount.
Other payments for optional services:
  • 20 EUR per person Burgas-Sozopol-Burgas transfer (for groups of at least 20 people)
  • 35 EUR per person Varna-Sozopol-Varna transfer (for groups of at least 30 people)
  • 90 EUR per person (depending on the number of passengers) Istanbul-Sozopol -Istanbul transfer
  • 10 EUR an additional payment of day/person for accommodation in a single room
  • 10 EUR day per person extra charge for lunch for a group of at least 15 people
  • 30 EUR day/person (night + full board) for additional stay at a time other than within the   Festival days. The additional number of nights must be specified in the application form.
  • 15 EUR per day / person (accommodation only) for additional stay outside the festival days. The additional number of overnight stays must be stated in the application;

Note: After the submission deadline, i.e after May 30th, 2020 and/or the accommodation is sold out, the conditions for participation are negotiable on a per-case basis.

Terms and regulations:

  • Check in time 14:00 pm
  • Check out 12:00 pm
  • All keys must be returned to the reception desk till the time of departure.
  • Extended stay on the departure day is possible upon confirmation.
  • Additional guests invited to your hotel during your stay are required to pay separately.
  • Smoking and pets are not allowed in the hotels and the guest houses. Please note, that a respectful behaviour is mandatory. Noice, loud parties and music during sleeping hours is unacceptable and may lead to a termination of the accomodation.
  • Any damages to the hotel property,  during the stay must be paid before departure.
  • Visiting teams who arrive with their own organized transport can park their bus or other vehicle in a guarded or unguarded parking at their own expense.
  • The group leaders are fully responsible for their teams, costumes and props.
  • Health and travel insurances are offered upon request.
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.

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