"FOLKWAY"
Location: Thessaloniki - Greece
Date: 18 - 21 July 2025

Thessaloniki, the "Nymph of Thermaikos", at the northwest corner of the Aegean Sea, is a place where history meets vibrant everyday life and tradition harmonizes with modern urban rhythm. As a crossroads of cultures for centuries, the city is the ideal destination for the organization of an International Cultural Festival.

With the iconic White Tower dominating its beach, Thessaloniki offers a unique atmosphere, enriched by its numerous monuments, which have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Byzantine churches, Roman and Ottoman remains, as well as the city's rich Jewish history, make up a colorful cultural mosaic.

A Greek company with its many years of experience in organizing events throughout Greece, brings for the first time the International Cultural Festival "FOLKWAY" in Thessaloniki, expecting to add a new cultural institution in the heart of Greece. With an emphasis on authenticity and multiculturalism, the festival brings together traditional dances and music from around the world in a grand celebration that honors diversity and common roots.

The participation of local authorities and the dynamics of cooperation ensure the success of the event, while highlighting Thessaloniki as an international cultural destination. We invite you to live this unique experience, to wander the streets of a city full of history and vitality, and to discover the magic of the 1st International Cultural Festival "FOLKWAY" in Thessaloniki!

Participants:

• Traditional folk dance groups
• Choirs
• Orchestras

From all over the world!

Conditions for participation:

• Number and age of participants is not limited. 
• Number of participating groups is limited.
• Each group should bring a flag of their country and if available, a board with the name of their group. Also, if possible, should provide some photos and videos with a brief history of the group. These materials will be used for promotional, publication and advertising purposes.
• The group should prepare a program of up to 15 minutes accompanied by an orchestra or CD/flash.
• The registration form must be sent by 20 March 2025 to confirm participation. Once we receive your registration form, a confirmation will be sent to you along with payment instructions. Approved groups pay in advance a 10% guarantee fee, which is to be deducted at the final payment. As a second step, you are required to make a payment of only 60% of the total amount by 30 March 2025. Upon receiving your payment, an official invitation letter will be sent to you. The balance must be paid, in cash, on the day of your arrival or 20 days prior via bank transfer.

Participation fee:

• 197 Euro per person in 3-4* Hotels (such as: Egnatia Palace, Metropolitan, Minerva Premier Hotel, Imperial Palace, El Greco, ABC, Rotonda, etc.) with BB (bed and breakfast)
• 237 Euro per person in 5* Hotel (Grand Hotel Palace) with BB (bed and breakfast)
• 255 Euro per person in 5* Hotel (Grand Hotel Palace) with HB (half board)

Participation fee (Full package) includes:

• Accommodation 4 days (3 nights), in very good and selected hotels, in double/ triple rooms with breakfast (BB) or half board (HB)
• Participation in the Festival (individual participation certificates, souvenirs, photos, videos)
• Traditional party/feast with snacks, drink & introduction to traditional dances of all countries
• Gifts and treats on the day of the performance
• Excursion to nearby beaches

Participation fee does not include:

• Longer length of stay. Every extra day costs:
  • In 3-4* hotels with breakfast - 50 Euro per person
  • In 5* hotels with breakfast - 60 Euro per person
• Residence Tax
• Optional excursions
• Medical care and insurance for participants

Program:

Friday 18 July 2025:
- Arrival at the hotel & check in after 14:00.
- Welcome by a representative of the organizers.
- A detailed programme with all the information needed will be given.
- Free time for rest, walking in the city, entertainment, etc.

Saturday 19 July 2025:
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Free day for activities / Optional Excursion.
- Traditional feast/party at 20:30, with Greek and international traditional music from the countries of the participants, with snack and drinks in Grand Hotel Palace event hall.
- Gifts and participation certificates will be given away by the organizers.

Sunday 20 July 2025:
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Free excursion offered by the organizers to the nearest beaches for swimming and outdoor activities.
- Departure from the hotel at 19:00, dressed in traditional costumes, for the place where the event will take place.
- During the event, souvenirs will be given by the Municipality.
- At the end of the event, treats will be served.

Monday 21 July 2025:
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Departure of the groups.

Notes:

An official invitation letter will be provided and other documents if needed.

• Travel: by road, by air (air tickets).
• Optional excursions and guided tours. Prices depend on the number of participants.

We invite you to become part of this unique celebration of tradition and culture, to discover the beautiful city of Thessaloniki and share with us unforgettable moments full of music, dance and hospitality.

Come and experience the 1st International Cultural Festival "FOLKWAY" in Thessaloniki and create memories that will last forever!