Director: Aleksandar Mojsoski With pleasure we INVITE you (Folk and Choral groups, orchestras, majorette teams), (children, youth and adults groups) to participate on the II International music & folk - dance festival "Ohrid Spring Festival" 14-17 April, Ohrid 2023. 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. Ohrid will be the host and the gathering place for dance groups and national art groups from all around the world to meet new people, make new friendship relationships and also, see the beauties of our town Ohrid and the Ohrid lake, which are under the protection of UNESCO. The idea of the festival is to develop new forms of communication in the international dialogue and international cooperation in the future. Also to present the cultural tradition of different countries and to provide an opportunity for the members of groups to get together, to establish friendships and culture presentation trough dance and music. OHRID - The name Ohrid first appeared in 879. Between 990 and 1015, Ohrid was the capital and stronghold of Samoil’s medieval Macedonian state. From 990 to 1018 Ohrid was also the seat of the Ohrid Patriarchate. Ohrid City is the perfect place where people from all around the world will gather together to present their folklore and show to the world what makes them special and unique. If you want to be part of this event, please fill in the application form for participation (below) and be our guests this year! Ohrid, a mixture of rich history, tradition and modern life.. Welcome to Ohrid! Our visitors says welcome to the Pearl on the Balkans. Ohrid is a blend of the traditional and the contemporary, the main spiritual, cultural and touristic center in Macedonia, a UNESCO World Heritage site as a cultural, and with the Ohrid Lake as a natural rarity. The numerous historical monuments found in their close surrounding speak of the tradition and dedication of the Macedonian people. Ohrid has been a living town for 2400 years, notable for having 365 churches, one for each day of the year, and is referred to as the Macedonian Jerusalem. Archaeological finds indicate that Ohrid is one of the oldest human settlements in all of Europe. Lake Ohrid rightly deserves the name “Macedonia’s freshwater sea”. It haves crystal clear water in color of the sky blue. Actually because of its size, this lake gives an impression of being a sea. With its unique flora and fauna the lake is one of the largest biological reserves in Europe. For more information you can visit: www.ohridinfo.mk Program: 14 April 2023 13.00 Arriving in Ohrid, hotel accommodation after the meeting with the festival representatives and free time 19.00 – 20.00 Diner in hotel 21.00 Free time 15 April 2023 8.00 – 10.00 Breakfast 10.00 – 15.00 Ohrid sightseeing with organized local tour guides - visiting cultural monuments (Samoil fortress, Antique theatre, Plaosnik, St. Kaneo church …) 17.30 – 18.30 Diner in hotel 19.00 Ensemble parade and Official festival evening 16 April 2023 8.00 – 10.00 Breakfast 11.00 – 17.00 Cruising with boat on Ohrid Lake, Visiting Museum on water and visit most famous tourist resort St.Naum (optional 8euro per person) 18.00 – 19.00 Diner in hotel 21.00 Closing ceremony of the festival – certificates and presents for ensembles by organizer, exchange presents between leaders of ensembles and final party with all participants 17 April 2023 8.00 – 10.00 Breakfast 12.00 Departure General rules for participation: In the festival can participate every 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 10th of March 2023 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 their own transport for arrival and departure. Participation fee: Hotel Montenegrin, Galeb and Plaza Hotel, Vila Fortuna, Aparments De Lux etc. 81 Euro per person for 3 half-boards (2 meals per day) in Villas & Apartments. 100 Euro per person for 4 half-boards (2 meals per day) in Villas & Apartments. Hotel Cingo, Hotel Desaret, Hotel Klimetica, Hotel Pela, Fantastik 89 Euro per person for 3 half-boards (2 meals per day) in 3* hotels 118 Euro per person for 4 half-boards (2 meals per day) in 3* hotels Hotel Mizo, Hotel Prestige, Hotel Milenium Palace 120 Euro per person for 3 half-boards (2 meals per day) in 4* hotel 140 Euro per person for 4 half-boards (2 meals per day) in 4* hotel On your request you can stay longer in Ohrid, Macedonia. Every day of stay longer before or after festival has to be paid between 20-35 euro/per person for accommodation at the selected hotel category… We can also arrange a full board hotel service! On your request we can arrange better 4* hotel accommodation for different prices… Participation fee includes: Participation in the festival concerts, Accommodation in the selected category of hotels (mostly 3-4 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 Tourist guides for sightseeing of the town Souvenir and gift for each group Professional stage, sound and light equipment during the festival events Certificate for attendance Drinks during the performance For 23 dancers 1 free of charge (22 + 1) Participation fee does not include: Transport Optional Programs Insurance What is not specified in the above mentioned “the fee includes” Organizers keep the right to change program of the festival. After Groups arrival in Hotel will be given detailed program of the festival and each group will have guide during festival. 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. THE NUMBER OF SEATS ARE LIMITED! 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.