International Festival of Dance and Songs

International Folk Dance and Music Festival “Dancing in Ohrid”

Ohrid, Macedonia

17 July - 21 July

Overview

Ohrid- Jerusalem of the Balkans

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

 

Trip Planner

It will be our pleasure to make your trip an unforgettable experience!

We can provide the following services for your group:

  • accommodation during the trip (in case you need a sleepover on your way to the chosen destination)
  • accommodation during the festival event you attend
  • travel and transportation tips and assistance
  • purchasing airplane and bus tickets
  • organizing transportation for a group or individuals
  • assist and advise in the procedure of issuing visas (if needed)

Accommodation

  • Participation in the festival concerts,
  • Accommodation in the selected category of hotels (mostly 3-4 bedded rooms, supplement for a double room is 7€/person/day, supplement for single room is 70% of the price),
  • 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
  • For 23 dancers 1 free of charge 

Participation Fee does not include: 

  • Transport
  • Optional Programs
  • Insurance and city tax 
  • What is not specified in the above mentioned “the fee includes”

Dates

  • 17/07/2026 - 21/07/2026

Pricing

17/07 - 21/07
  • 5 days (4 nights) = 175 € per person

Itinerary

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 application is guaranteed by the advance payment amounting to 10% of the overall cost. 
  • 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 16th of June 2026 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.

DRAFT FESTIVAL PROGRAM:

17 July 2026

  • 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

18 July 2026

  • 08.00 – 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 – 18.00 Diner in hotel
  • 19.00 Ensemble parade and Official festival evening 

  19 July 2026

  • 08.00 – 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 15euro per person)
  • 18.00 – 19.00 Diner in hotel
  • 19.30 Second festival evening (Optional) 

  20 July 2026

  • 08.00 – 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

   21 July 2026

  • 08.00 – 10.00 Breakfast 
  • 11.00 Departure

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