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

Accommodation

PARTICIPATION FEE:

1. Standard hotels or apartments category accommodations like Hotel Desaret, Hotel Cingo, Hotel Pela, Apart Hotel Fantastik, Hotel Dipolmat, Hotel Cingo, Solferino etc. 

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

2. Advanced hotel categories like Hotel Mirage, Hotel Drim, Hotel Belvedere, Hotel Millenium Palace, Hotel Imperial etc. 

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

If you stay less than 3 nights the prices will be different and this kind of offers are always on request. 

On your request you can stay longer in Ohrid, Macedonia. Every day of stay longer before or after festival has to be paid between 28-48 euro/per person for accommodation at the selected hotel category

PARTICIPATION FEE INCLUDES:

  • Participation in the festival concerts
  • Invitation letter
  • 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 15€/person/day),
  • Half-board hotel accommodation 
  • Welcome cocktails with the leaders of the groups 
  • Souvenir and gift for each group
  • Certificate for attendance
  • DISCOUNT:  For every 23th participant, 1 participant is free of charge

PARTICIPATION FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE: 

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

PAYMENT METHOD:

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

Dates

  • 25/06/2025 - 29/06/2025

Pricing

25/06 - 29/06
  • 5 days (4 nights) = 115 € per person

Itinerary

With pleasure we INVITE you (Folk and choral groups, orchestras, majorette teams), (children, youth and adults groups) to participate on V International folk dance and music festival "OHRID PEARL" 25-29 June, 2025 Ohrid, North Macedonia.

Mission of the festivals are 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, tradition, costumes and cultural heritage as well as presentation of the foreign folklore and culture in our country

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. This amount will not be refunded in the event of renunciation of participation.
  • The number of the participants are limited (only 3 groups from each country).
  • Ensemble should have prepared at least 2-3 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 21st of May 2025 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 PROGRAM:

25 June 2025

  • 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

26 June 2025

  • 08.00 – 10.00 Breakfast 
  • 10.00 – 13.00 Ohrid sightseeing with organized local tour guides - visiting cultural monuments (Samoil fortress, Antique theatre, Plaosnik, St. Kaneo church …)
  • 17.30 – 18.30 Diner in hotel
  • 19.00 Ensemble parade and Official festival evening at the square on a stage

27 June 2025

  • 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 12euro per person)
  • 18.00 – 19.00 Diner in hotel
  • 19.30 Second festival evening (Optional) 

28 June 2025

  • 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

29 June 2025

  • 08.00 – 10.00 Breakfast 
  • 11.00 Departure

Things to do

Take a Boat Tour of Lake Ohrid

One of the best ways to experience Lake Ohrid is by taking a boat tour! Not only will you get beautiful views of the city from a different perspective, but Ohrid’s boat tours will also take you on excursions to nearby attractions like "St. Naum" Monastery

Take in the views at Ohrid’s Fortress

Ohrid’s Fortress – also known as Samuel’s Fortress, offers some of the best panoramic views of Ohrid city and Lake Ohrid. The fortress dates back to the 4th century BCE and holds a deep historical significance to the city of Ohrid

Take a Tour of the National Workshop for Handmade Paper

The National Workshop for Handmade Paper is a local workshop that continues the ancient tradition of handmade papermaking and printing, which has been passed down through generations. Live demonstrations are performed for visitors, and you may even get the chance to make your own handmade paper using their paper press

Visit Ohrid’s Most Iconic Churches

Take some time to visit some of the 365 churches in Ohrid

Take a Stroll Down the Ohrid Boardwalk

Ohrid’s boardwalk is a scenic boardwalk that runs along the edge of Lake Ohrid, offering stunning views of the water and surrounding mountains. It’s the perfect place to take a relaxing walk, go cycling, or enjoy a meal or drink at one of the many waterfront restaurants

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