With pleasure we INVITE you (folk and choral groups, orchestras, majorette teams), (children, youth and adults groups) to participate in the V International music & folk - dance festival "Lychnidos Square" 8 - 11 November 2025 in Ohrid, North Macedonia.

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.

Also 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.

OHRID - The name Ohrid first appeared in 879. Between 990 and 1015, Ohrid was the capital and stronghold of Samoil’s medieval Macedonian state. From 990 to 1018 Ohrid was also the seat of the Ohrid Patriarchate.

Ohrid City is the perfect place where people from all around the world will gather together to present their folklore and show to the world what makes them special and unique. If you want to be part of this event, please fill in the application form for participation (below) and be our guests this year! Ohrid, a mixture of rich history, tradition and modern life.

Welcome to Ohrid! Our visitors says welcome to the Pearl on the Balkans. Ohrid is a blend of the traditional and the contemporary, the main spiritual, cultural and touristic center in Macedonia, a UNESCO World Heritage site as a cultural, and with the Ohrid Lake as a natural rarity. The numerous historical monuments found in their close surrounding speak of the tradition and dedication of the Macedonian people.

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.

Festival Program:

21.00 Meeting with festival organizers

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

General rules for participation:

• In the festival can participate every folklore group, 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 is limited (only 3 groups from each country).
• Ensembles 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 8th of October 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 and table of the group name on it.
• Folklore groups should have their own transport for arrival and departure.

Participation fee:

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

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

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

Participation fee includes:

• Participation in the festival concerts;
• Accommodation in the selected category of hotels (mostly 3-4 bedded rooms, supplement for a double room is 5 Euro per person per day, supplement for single room is +70% of the total price);
• Half-board hotel accommodation;
• Welcome cocktails with the leaders of the groups;
• Tourist guides for sightseeing of the town;
• Souvenir and gift for each group;
• Professional stage, sound and light equipment during the festival events;
• Certificate for attendance;
• Drinks during the performance;
• For 23 dancers 1 free of charge (22+1).

Participation fee does not include:

• Transport;
• Optional Programs;
• Insurance and city tax;
• What is not specified in the above mentioned "Participation fee includes".

Organizers keep the right to change program of the festival. After the groups arrive in the hotel, they will be given a detailed program of the festival and each group will have guide during festival.

Groups, arriving by plane, will be transported from the hotels with organized buses and will be accompanied to their departure in the same conditions. The transfer from the airport to the hotel and back is paid additionally.

By applying you confirm that you accept all festival conditions. All detailed information will be supply after your confirmation for participation.

Invitation letter will be provided if needed.

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.