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 ”Lychnidos Square” 23 – 26 May 2025, 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. For more information you can visit: www.ohridinfo.mk
Festival Program:
23 May 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 leaders of the groups
24 May 2025
- 07.30 – 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
25 May 2025
- 07.30 – 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..
26 May 2025
- 07.30 – 10.00 Breakfast
- 11.00 Departure
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 25th of April 2024 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 the festival events.
Participation fee:
Standard hotels or apartments category accommodations like Hotel Desaret, Hotel Cingo, Hotel Pela, Apart Hotel Fantastik, Hotel Dipolmat, Hotel Cingo, Solferino etc.
- 115 Euro per person for 3 half-boards (2 meals per day) in 3* hotel
- 145 Euro per person for 4 half-boards (2 meals per day) in 3* hotel
Advanced hotel categories like Hotel Mirage, Hotel Drim, Hotel Belvedere, Hotel Millenium Palace, Hotel Imperial etc.
- 145 Euro per person for 3 half-boards (2 meals per day) in 4* hotel
- 189 Euro per person for 4 half-boards (2 meals per day) in 4* hotel
On your request you can stay longer in Ohrid, North Macedonia. Every day of stay longer before or after festival has to be paid between 38-48 euro/per person for accommodation at the selected hotel category…
Participation Fee Includes:
- Participation in the festival concerts,
- 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 +70% of the amount),
- Half-board hotel accommodation
- 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
- For 23 dancers 1 person free of charge
Participation Fee does not include:
- Transport
- Optional Programs
- Insurance
- City Tax
- What is not specified in the above mentioned “the fee includes”
Organizers keep the right to change program of the festival. After Groups arrival in Hotel will be given 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 participations.
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.
THE NUMBER OF SEATS ARE LIMITED!
Thank you for participating at the Folklore festival!
