Director: Aleksandar Mojsoski With pleasure we INVITE you (Folk and Choral groups, orchestras, majorette teams), (children, youth and adults groups) to participate on II “International KUSADASI Folk Dance and Music festival” 21 – 25 September 2023 Kusadasi, Turkiye. 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. Kusadasi, which means "bird island" in Turkish, is set in a superb gulf in the Aegean region of Turkey and is known for its turquoise sparkling water of the Aegean Sea, broad sandy beaches, bright sun and large marina with a capacity for 600 boats. A glorious ancient city stands beside it, Ephesus with millions of visitors from tours each year. The town is only 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Adnan Menderes Airport in Izmir. Numerous holiday villages and hotels line its shores and hundreds of restaurants serves food from all around the world and, of course, Turkish Cuisine, which is one of the largest cuisines of the world. There are also many hostels, discos, bars, cafeterias, pubs and "Turkish Nights"; all those to cater holiday-makers. Kusadasi has retained a certain earthiness to it and inexpensive meals and pensions can still be found in town. Many shops do a brisk trade with passengers from hundreds of cruise ships that dock for a day or two, allowing enough time for a trip to Ephesus and a shopping expedition. The tiny Güvercin Adasi (Pigeon Island) is connected to the mainland in the town center with a causeway. Its romantic setting includes a well-maintained flower garden which surrounds the restored 14th-15th century fortress housing a cafeteria. Beaches close to town tend to get quite crowded during summer. If you prefer more serenity, head for Dilek Peninsula National Park, about 28 kilometers (17 miles) from Kusadasi. It is also possible to get to Greek island Samos by regular daily ferries. Ephesus is Turkey’s most significant cultural heritage with over 1.5 million visitors from all over the world every year. This city is where St Paul worked on spreading the word of God, the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra and Roman Emperor Marcus Antonius visited and Virgin Mary and St John spent their final days. In an area of just ten kilometresquares, one of the world’s seven ancient wonders, Artemis Temple, the holy pilgrimage spot of Christians; House of Virgin Mary, the most glorious ancient city in Anatolia; Ephesus, the tomb and church of Jesus’ apostle St John, the seven sleepers’ cave, and one of the most beautiful Turkish Seljuk architecure examples, Isa Bey Mosque stand, turning this region into a treasure chest of world heritage sites. All this beauties in Kusadası city and lot of fun is waiting for you on our festival. Come and join the best festival experience ever. Travel and dance with us in Istanbul, Turkey… Program: 21 September 2023 14.00 Arriving in Kudadasi, hotel accommodation after the meeting with the festival representatives and free time 18.00 – 20.00 Diner in hotel 21.00 Welcome reception with the leaders of the groups 22 September 2023 07.00 – 10.00 Breakfast 10.00 – 13.00 Kusadasi Old Town tour with organized local tour guide and visiting pigeon island (optional) 13.00 – 14.00 Lunch in the hotel 18.00 – 19.00 Diner in hotel 19.30 Ensemble parade 20.00 Official festival evening Welcome Speech Open air performance 23 September 2023 07.00 – 10.00 Breakfast 10.00 – 18.00 Visiting Efes Ancient city (optional or free time) 13.00 – 14.00 Lunch in the hotel 18.00 – 19.00 Diner in hotel 20.00 Second festival evening (optional) 24 September 2023 07.00 – 10.00 Breakfast 09.00 – 13.00 Boat Tour program (optional) or free time – beach time 13.00 – 14.00 Lunch in the hotel 19.00 – 20.00 Diner in hotel 21.00 Closing ceremony of the festival – certificates and presents for ensembles by organizer, exchange presents between leaders of ensembles, party with all the festival participants until midnight… 25 September 2023 07.00 – 10.00 Breakfast 12.00 Departure General rules for participation: In the festival can participate folklore groups, orchestras, majorettes, modern dance groups, choirs and music bands from all over the world. Non-competitive sample of traditional and modern dances, choral groups, majorette teams, orchestras, brass bands festival. Ensemble should have prepared at least 2 dances, 08-12 minutes each with USB or orchestra. Folklore groups should take a flag of their country and minimum 4 gifts for the municipality visits and organizers. 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). Groups have to send us short CV and few photos of the group by e-mail. Until 16th of August 2023 each group should send the list of participants, name/surname, sex, date of birth and passport number. Folklore groups should have there own transport for arrival and departure. Participation fee: 139 Euro for 4 HB (half board) per person (4 nights with 2 meals per person) 169 Euro for 4 AI (all inclusive) per person (4 nights with 3 meals per day all inclusive service ) It covers hotel accommodation in 4* Hotels in Kusadasi Turkey. Addition day can be booked for 45 euro/person/day with half board service Groups of 25 persons: One group leader free of charge! Participation fee includes: Participation in the festival concerts, Professional sound, stage and light equipment. Accommodation in 4* Hotels (3 bedded rooms, supplement for a double room is 7€/person/day, supplement for single room is double of initial price), Full Board hotel accommodation Welcome cocktails with the leaders of the groups Souvenir and gift for each group Certificate for attendance Drinks during the performance (water) Participation fee does not include: Transport (for arrival and departure) Optional Tour Programs Insurance What is not specified in the above mentioned “the fee includes” 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.