Director: Gursel Hussein International Folklore Festival “Bridge of Friendship” Baku, Azerbaijan from June 06 to June 11, 2026 Baku is the capital of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the largest industrial, economic and scientific-technical center of Transcaucasia, as well as the largest port on the Caspian Sea and the biggest city in the Caucasus. Organizers of the festival-competition: Department of Culture of Baku – Azerbaijan, Municipality of Baku – Azerbaijan Purpose of the festival: Familiarization with the best creative groups, identifying talented and gifted individuals, creating opportunities for young people for creative exchange by showcasing the best examples of artistic traditions of national art; exchange of experience between artistic directors of groups; acquaintance with the culture and art of various countries of the world. Participation conditions: If you wish to take part in the festival-competition program, you need to fill out an Application Form, and also send us a short creative description of your group, 5–6 photos of the participants/group, and a video or a YouTube link if available. Participation requirements for the festival: Folklore choral, musical, dance, and vocal-choreographic groups, pop, ballroom dance, and instrumental ensembles may participate in the festival-competition. All forms of art are welcome! Ensembles and creative groups from Russia, Belarus, Georgia, Turkey, Greece, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Moldova, North Macedonia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Hungary are invited. Number of participants per group is not limited (performers and accompanying persons). No age restrictions. The group must prepare 2 performance programs of 5–10 minutes each. Groups must prepare two different programs up to 10 minutes each. Concerts are planned on open stages of the city and include costumed processions. Artistic expression, spirit, style, character, originality, preservation of folk traditions, and attractiveness of performance are encouraged. The group must bring its national flag or banner. Live music is welcome. You may also use a CD or flash drive. The committee provides accommodation in a 3*** hotel, AF HOTEL AQUAPARK (5 nights / 6 days), in 2-, 3- or 4-bed rooms, and 3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner). Arrival date of the group at the festival: June 06, after breakfast (10:00–11:00). (Total 6 days.) Participation fee: 250 Euro per person – 5 nights in hotel, 6 days. Participation fee includes: hotel accommodation (5 nights / 6 days) and 3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) organizational fee for festival-competition participation medical insurance for the whole period prizes, gifts, awards for participants and directors reception buffet for group leaders 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 step: After submitting the required documents, you will receive an official invitation to participate in the festival. After receiving the invitation letter, the participant must pay 30% of the total amount — this confirms your participation in the festival.