Director: Kurt Turgut With pleasure we INVITE (Children - Youth - Adult - Veteran) to participate in the IX. International Çanakkale Folk Dance Festival 26 - 30 October 2026 Çanakkale, Turkiye. The intention of our invitation and the Festival motive is to present the cultural tradition of different countries and to provide an opportunity for the members of groups to get together, to establish friendships and culture presentation trough dance and music. The idea of the Festival is to bring the music closer to the people and to present the music on the streets and the squares. The festival is open for folk and choir ensembles, as well as orchestras and majorettes regardless of the member’s gender and age. Çanakkale, adorned with its extensive and azure-flagged beaches, stands out as one of the most significant and captivating tourist destinations situated at the entrance of the Aegean Sea. The historical narrative of Çanakkale unfolds from the ancient city of Troy, the backdrop of the Trojan Wars, and extends to the triumph of Çanakkale. This historically rich city is nestled in the Marmara Region. The festival is set to take place in the heart of Çanakkale, providing groups with the opportunity to explore the city and the remnants of these two historical marvels during their leisure time. All these treasures in the Turkish Riviera and an abundance of enjoyment await you at our festival. Come and partake in the most extraordinary festival experience. Travel and dance with us in Çanakkale, Turkiye… Program: 26 October 2026 14.00 Arriving in Çanakkale, hotel accommodation after the meeting with the festival representatives and free time 18.30 - 19.30 Dinner in hotel 20.30 Meeting (with director and choreographer) 27 October 2026 07.00 - 10.00 Breakfast 10.00 - 14.00 Visiting Çanakkale city or free time 16.00 Open air performance 19.00 - 20.00 Dinner in hotel 28 October 2026 07.00 - 10.00 Breakfast 09.00 - 15.00 Free time 16.00 - 19.00 Festival party 19.00 - 20.00 Dinner in hotel 29 October 2026 07.00 - 09.00 Breakfast 10.00 - 15.00 Free time 16.00 - 18.00 Gala performance 19.30 - 20.30 Dinner in hotel 30 October 2026 07.00 - 10.00 Breakfast 12.00 Departure *Festival organizers keep the right to change the festival schedule. General rules for participation: The festival welcomes participation from folklore groups, orchestras, majorettes, modern dance groups, choirs, and music bands hailing from various corners of the globe. Ensembles are required to prepare a minimum of two dances, each lasting 8-15 minutes, to be presented with a USB or live orchestra. Folklore groups are expected to bring their country's flag and a few gifts for municipal visits. To express interest in participating, any group must complete and submit an Application form. Submission of filled and signed applications implies agreement with the terms outlined in the present regulations. Groups are requested to forward a brief CV and a minimum of three photos of the group via email. By August 15, 2026, each group must provide a list of participants, including names, surnames, genders, dates of birth, and passport numbers. Folklore groups should arrange for their own transportation for both arrival and departure. Participation fee: Hotel accommodation (leaders and drivers in 2 double rooms and others in triple and quadruple rooms) with 2 meals per day in Basic HOTELS in Çanakkale, Turkiye: https://www.hotelzileli.com/ 130 Euro per person for 3 HB (3 nights with 2 meals per day) 160 Euro per person for 4 HB (4 nights with 2 meals per day) Hotel accommodation with 2 meals per day in Advanced HOTEL categories in Canakkale, Turkiye: 145 Euro per person for 3 HB (3 nights with 2 meals per day) 195 Euro per person for 4 HB (4 nights with 2 meals per day) For groups comprising 25 persons, one group leader is entitled to complimentary participation (24 paying + 1 free). Addition day can be booked for 40-50 Euro per person per day. Participation fee includes: Participation in the festival concerts Professional sound, stage and light equipment Accommodation in Hotels (3-4 bedded rooms, with a supplemental cost of 7 Euro per person per day for a double room and 15 Euro per person per day for a single room) Half-board hotel accommodation A souvenir and gift for each group A certificate of attendance Participation fee doesn't include: Transportation (for arrival and departure) Optional tour programs Insurance Anything not explicitly stated in the section "Participation fee fee includes" above 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 1000 Euro 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.