International Festival of Dance and Songs

International Folk Dance and Music Festival “Ohrid Spring Festival”

Ohrid, Macedonia

25 April - 28 April

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. Appartments Nikola, Appartments Liljana, Aparments De Lux etc. (apartment category)

  • 85 Euro per person for 3 half-boards 2 meals per day) in Villas & Apartments.
  • 109 Euro per person for 4 half-boards (2 meals per day) in Villas & Apartments.

2. Hotel Cingo, Hotel Desaret, Hotel Klimetica, Hotel Ambasador etc. (3* hotel category)

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

3. Hotel Mizo, Hotel Prestige, Hotel Hotel Pela, Hotel Fanstastik etc. (4* hotel category)

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

4. Hotel Drim, Hotel Mirage and Spa, Hotel Millenium Palace (+4* hotel category)

  • 135 Euro per person for 3 half-boards (2 meals per day) in 4* hotel
  • 180 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 festival has to be paid between 30-45 euro/per person for accommodation at the selected hotel category

On your request we can arrange better qualeity hotel accommodation for different prices

 

PARTICIPATION FEE INCLUDES:

  • Participation in the festival concerts
  • Invitation letter
  • Accommodation in the selected category of hotels (mostly 3 bedded rooms, supplement for a double room is 5€/person/day, supplement for single room is 15€/person/day),
  • Half-board hotel accommodation 
  • Tourist guides for sightseeing of the old part of the town
  • Souvenir and gift for each group
  • Professional stage, sound and light equipment during the festival events
  • 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

  • 25/04/2025 - 28/04/2025

Pricing

25/04 - 28/04
  • 4 days (3 nights) = 85 € per person

Itinerary

With pleasure we INVITE you (Folk and Choral groups, orchestras, majorette teams), (children, youth and adults groups) to participate on the V International music & folk - dance festival "Ohrid Spring Festival" 25 – 28 April, Ohrid 2025.

This festival is the perfect occasion for different groups from various countries to gather together so that they could express their culture and nation through dances, music and interesting national costumes. Ohrid will be the host and the gathering place for dance groups and national art groups from all around the world to meet new people, make new friendship relationships and also, see the beauties of our town Ohrid and the Ohrid lake, which are under the protection of UNESCO. The idea of the festival is to develop new forms of communication in the international dialogue and international cooperation in the future

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 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 28th of March 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, departure and during festival programs events

DRAFT PROGRAM:

25 April 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 Meeting with festival organizers

26 April 2025

  • 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 …)
  • 17.30 – 18.30 Diner in hotel
  • 19.00 Ensemble parade and Official festival evening 

 27 April 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 15euro per person)
  • 18.00 – 19.00 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

  28 April 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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