Director: Aleksandar Mojsoski 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: 10 November 2022 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 Welcome reception with the leaders of the groups 11 November 2022 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…) 17.00 Ensemble parade and Official festival evening 20.30 - 21.30 Diner in hotel 12 November 2022 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 7 Euro per person) 18.00 - 19.00 Diner in hotel 19.30 Second festival evening (Optional) 13 November 2022 8.00 - 10.00 Breakfast 10.00 - 14.00 Visiting Struga city with organized guide and the Kalista monastery complex which is situated near to Struga city 19.00 - 20.30 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 14 November 2022 08.00 - 10.00 Breakfast 12.00 Departure 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: Makotex Apartments, Hotel Montenegrin, Galeb and Plaza Hotel, Hotel Montenegrin, Vila Fortuna, Aparments De Lux etc... 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 Hotel Cingo, Hotel Desaret, Hotel Klimetica, Hotel Pela, Hotel Beograd, Fantastik… 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 Hotel Mizo, Hotel Millenium Palace, Hotel Aqualina… 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 On your request you can stay longer in Ohrid, Macedonia. Every day of stay longer, before or after the festival, has to be paid between 20-35 Euro per person for accommodation in 3* or 4* hotel, according to the selected category. 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. THE NUMBER OF SEATS IS LIMITED! Thank you for participating in the Folklore festival! 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.