Director: Mr. Milenko Andreski Durres, Albania Durrës is the second largest city of Albania located on the central Albanian coast, about 33 km west of the capital Tirana. It is one of the most ancient and economically significant cities of Albania. Durrës is home to Albania’s main port, the Port of Durrës, and to the newest public university, the Aleksandër Moisiu University. Durrës is an important link to Western Europe due to its port and its proximity to the Italian port cities, notably Bari, to which daily ferries run. As well as the dockyard, it also possesses an important shipyard and manufacturing industries, notably producing leather, plastic and tobacco products. Some important buildings in Durrës include the main library, the cultural center with the Aleksandër Moisiu Theatre, the Estrada Theater, the puppet theater, and the philharmonic orchestra. There are also several museums such as the Durrës Archaeological Museum, Royal Villa of Durrës and the Museum of History (the house of Aleksandër Moisiu). The city hosts the Durrës Ancient City Wall called also Durrës Castle while the largest amphitheatre in the Balkans is located in the city close to the harbor. This first-century construction is currently under consideration for inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The southern coastal stretch is renowned for its traditional mass beach tourism having experienced uncontrolled urban development. The city’s beaches are also a popular destination for many foreign and local tourists, with an estimated 800,000 tourists visiting annually. Many Albanians from Tirana and elsewhere spend their summer vacations on the beaches of Durrës. In 2012, new water sanitation systems are being installed to completely eliminate sea water pollution. In contrast, the northern coastal stretch is mostly unspoiled and set to become an elite tourism destination as a number of beach resorts are being built since 2009. Neighboring districts are known for the production of good wine and a variety of foodstuffs. Purpose of the festival: The main purpose of this festival is to bring different cultures closer through songs, dances, music and interesting national costumes. The main idea of the organizers is to bring to the festival different choirs, folklore and modern dance groups from different countries and different parts of the world and to give them the exclusive opportunity to display their artistry and creativity on the stage. The participants will have the opportunity to meet new people, establish new friendships and learn about different cultures and traditions. The idea of the festival is to develop communication and dialogue between diverse cultures, by nurturing tradition as well as modern dance styles, thus combining the traditional and the modern in a timeline that will take the spectators from history to modern times. Conditions of the festival: Groups from all over the world can take part in this festival. Folk dance groups, modern dance groups, choirs, but also majorette teams and brass bands and orchestras are welcome to apply. The number of participants and followers is not limited. There is no age limit. It is necessary to prepare minimum one program with the duration of 10 – 12 minutes per program. Each group should bring the national flag of the country that they represent. It is also necessary to visibly display panel on which the name of your group and the name of your country is inscribed. It is recommended that groups should bring about 8 – 10 small gifts for exchange. Participants can perform with orchestras (recommended) or with recorded music (on CD or USB). In order to participate in this festival, every group needs to fill in an application form. When applying, if possible, please provide some photos, videos or brief history of the group. These materials will be used for promotional and advertizing purposes (in advertisements, fliers and posters). After receiving the application form and completion of advance payment, the organizer will send an official letter of invitation for participation at the Festival. Participation fee: Basic category Villas, Apartments: 139 Euro per person for 5 days – 4 nights half board ( breakfast, and dinner ) 173 Euro per person for 6 days – 5 nights half board ( breakfast, and dinner ) Advances Category Hotel: 169 Euro per person for 5 days – 4 nights half board ( breakfast, and dinner ) 209 Euro per person for 6 days – 5 nights half board ( breakfast, and dinner ) For a group of 25 people, 1 is free. Payment: As confirmation of its participation in thisfolklore festival, a group pays 10% in advance and the rest not later than 15 days before the festival by bank transfer or upon the group’s arrival at the hotel, according to the previous agreement with the organizers This deposit is non-reimbursable if you later decide not to come, for any reason. In case of unexpected circumstances or Force Majeure, the organizer reserves the right to change the date of the event Considering the current economic situation in Europe, in the event of further price increases, we reserve the right to subsequently adjust our prices Any banking costs that may arise must be paid by the applicant. Accommodation: We offer accommodation: Accommodation in hotels and apartments. Groups will be accommodated in rooms with 3 and 4 beds with private bathroom. There are only 2 double rooms available per group that can be used for leaders and drivers. For each additional double room, the group has to pay an additional 8 euros per person per day. For a single room, 50% of the amount should be paid extra. If the group expresses interest in extending the stay, the organizers should be notified during the application. For a group of 25 people, 1 is free. The groups will settle in after 12:00, and leave the rooms before 10:00.Important! The Albanian tourist tax and insurance (1.5 euros per person per day) is not included in the price and is paid upon arrival and accommodation. Participation fee does not include: On request, a professional tour guide can be hired to accompany the group on their excursions, but the travel guide expenses will be covered by the group. Health insurance (First Aid and Medical Hospital will be available, medical services must be covered by the group). Parking for the bus. Program Proposal: Day 1: Checking in the hotel, free time for individual activities Meeting with the organizer in order to discuss details about the festival; upon arrival groups will be given a program with exact time schedule for each of the activities mentioned in this program. Dinner in the hotel Free night Day 2: Breakfast in the hotel Time for individual activities (beach time, shopping, sightseeing…) Dinner in the hotel Free night Day 3: Breakfast First option: Bus excursion, visiting the city of Durres, visiting cultural and historical monuments Each group will go with their own bus. Second option: Time for individual activities (beach time, shopping, sightseeing…) Parade and first festival evening (performance of the participants) Dinner Day 4: Breakfast in the hotel First option: Visiting Tirana Second option: Bus excursion Visiting the history city of Kruje and the historic monuments and museum (entrance 2 Euros) Each group will go with their own bus. Third option: Time for individual activities (beach time, shopping, sightseeing…) Parade and second festival evening (performance of the participants) Dinner in the hotel Day 5: Breakfast in the hotel Checking out of the hotels 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.