III International Folk Dance and Music Festival "Lychnidos Square"

With pleasure we INVITE you (folk and choral groups, orchestras, majorette teams), (children, youth and adults groups) to participate in the III International music & folk - dance festival "Lychnidos Square" 10 - 14 November, Ohrid 2022.

Mission of the festivals is to celebrate special events, to bring together different cultures from all over the world through music, dance and traditional national costumes of the nations. The purpose of the festivals is presentation and affirmation of the different folklore dances, traditions, costumes and cultural heritage as well as presentation of the foreign folklore and culture in our country.

The participants will have the chance to meet new friends from different countries, enjoy the beauties of our amazing city, learn a lot about the folklore and tradition of other countries and celebrate life, friendship and love through music and various dances, exchange experience and information's, getting new friendships, get to know new places.

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 say 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 its 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 has 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.

Festival Program:

21.00 Welcome reception with the leaders of the groups

20.30 - 21.30 Diner in hotel

19.30 Second festival evening (Optional)

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

General rules for participation:

• In the festival can participate 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 application is guaranteed by the advance payment amounting to 10% of the overall cost.
• The number of the participants is limited (only 3 groups from each country).
• Ensembles 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 October 2022 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:

• 69 Euro per person for 3 half-boards (2 meals per day) in Villas & Apartments
• 84 Euro per person for 4 half-boards (2 meals per day) in Villas & Apartments

• 79 Euro per person for 3 half-boards (2 meals per day) in 3* hotel 
• 95 Euro per person for 4 half-boards (2 meals per day) in 3* hotel

• 90 Euro per person for 3 half-boards (2 meals per day) in 4* hotel
• 119 Euro per person for 4 half-boards (2 meals per day) in 4* hotel

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;
• Professional stage, sound and light equipment during the festival events;
• Welcome cocktails with the leaders of the groups;
• Souvenir and gift for each group;
• 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 "Participation fee includes".

Organizers keep the right to change program of the festival. After the groups arrive in the hotel, they will be given a 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. The detailed information will be supplyed after your confirmation for participation. Invitation letter will be provided if needed.