International Festival of Dance and Songs
International Folk Dance and Music Festival “Cesme”
Alacati, Cesme, Turkey
22 April - 26 April
Overview
Çeşme is a coastal town and a popular holiday resort, lapped by the waters of the Aegean Sea, lies west of Izmir province, in Turkey's Aegean region. "Çesme", meaning "fountain" in Turkish, derives from the many sources of water found in the area. It is one of Turkey's
most beautiful stretches, surrounded by clear blue seas, with landscapes of cultivated fields of aniseed, sesame, and artichokes dotted with fig and gum trees. The district is famous for its deep blue sea, golden sands, and gentle breeze along its peninsula. In the unspoiled bays, you can swim in absolute peace.
The area is competing with Bodrum for its beaches and sea, as well as the nightlife and windsurfing, making it a popular holiday destination in Turkey. It is possible also to get to the Greek island Chios (Sakiz) with regular daily ferries. Çesme has an international harbor linked to Izmir with a superb highway (80 kilometers - 50 miles).
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 Fee:
- 179 Euro for 3HB per person (3 nights with 2 meals per day)
- 229 Euro for 4 HB per person (4 nights with 2 meals per day)
It covers hotel accommodation with 2 meals per day in 4* Hotel in Cesme, Turkiye
- Addition day can be booked for 55 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 8€/person/day, supplement for single room is +70% of the total amount),
- Half Board hotel accommodation
- Welcome cocktails with the leaders of the groups
- Souvenir and gift for each group
- Certificate for attendance
Participation Fee does not include:
- Transport (for arrival and departure)
- Optional Tour Programs
- Insurance and city tax
- What is not specified in the above mentioned “the fee includes”
Dates
- 22/04/2026 - 26/04/2026
Pricing
22/04 - 26/04
- 5 days (4 nights) = 229 € per person
Itinerary
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 few 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 20 of March 2026 each group should send the list of participants, name/surname, sex, date of birth and passport number.
- Folklore groups should have their own transport for arrival, departure and during the festival program.
DRAFT FESTIVAL PROGRAM:
22 April 2026
- 14.00 Arriving in Cesme, hotel accommodation after the meeting with the festival representatives and free time
- 19.00 – 21.00 Diner in hotel
- 21.00 Welcome meeting with the leaders of the groups
23 April 2026
- 07.00 – 10.00 Breakfast
- 10.00 – 15.00 Ephesus tour (optional) or free time beach time
- 17.00 – 18.00 Diner in hotel
- 19.30 Ensemble parade
- 20.00 Official festival evening
- Welcome Speech
- Open air performance
- Singing and dancing together
24 April 2026
- 07.00 – 10.00 Breakfast
- 10.00 – 18.00 Visiting Alacati (optional) or free time beach time
- 17.30 – 18.30 Diner in hotel
- 20.00 Second festival evening
25 April 2026
- 07.00 – 10.00 Breakfast
- 10.30 – 12.00 Boat tour program (optional) of free time – beach time
- 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 at the hotel with all participants until midnight…
26 April 2026
- 07.00 – 10.00 Breakfast
- 11.00 Departure