WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

With pleasure, we invite folk ensembles, choral groups, majorette teams, brass bands, and other performing groups — including children, youth, and adults — to participate in the XXI International Music & Dance Festival “Under the Sky of Olimp”, which will take place from 16–21 July 2025 in Paralia – Olympic, Katerini, Greece.

The festival aims to present the cultural traditions of different countries and offers participants the opportunity to make new friendships and share their cultures through dance and music.
The festival is open to folk and choir ensembles, orchestras, and majorettes, regardless of members’ gender and age.

 General Rules

The festival is a non-competitive showcase of traditional and modern dances and music.

Participants may include children and youth folklore dance groups, modern dance groups, vocal groups, instrumental groups, soloists, and performers from other art styles.

Participation is limited to three groups per country.

Each group should consist of no more than 50 members, including dancers, managers, and musicians.

Ensembles should prepare at least two folk dances with a total performance time of 15 minutes, accompanied by orchestra or USB.

Choral groups should prepare a free program lasting about 15 minutes.

Performances will be held in the evening, allowing free time for sightseeing during the day.

Groups must send a short CV and photos, bring their national flag, and arrange their own transport for arrival and departure.

 Accommodation Information

Participants will be accommodated in hotels and apartments located near the beach, such as Yakhintos, Katerina, Xenia Zeus, Ifigenia, Despina, London, and Phenix, in multiple rooms with private toilets.

Pricing:

155 EUR per person – 4 half-board days (5 days / 4 nights)

189 EUR per person – 5 half-board days (6 days / 5 nights)

All double and single rooms are available upon request. Multiple-bed accommodations are assigned based on availability.

Additional double rooms: 12 EUR per person per day

Additional single rooms: 40 EUR per person per day

For drivers and leaders, two double rooms will be provided.

 Festival Organizers Provide

One free participant for every 24 dancers

Souvenir and gift for each group

Certificate of attendance

Welcome reception for group leaders (with drinks)

Free parking

Advertising of the festival through social media, newsletters, and posters

 Extended Stay Information

Participants may extend their stay in Paralia:
40 EUR per person per day (half-board).
This price is special for festival participants.

 Insurance

Each group must arrange personal responsibility and health insurance.

Medical services will be available during the festival, but costs must be covered by the group.

After the festival, organizers will provide a link to download photos and videos from the event.

 Transport Information

Transportation from Thessaloniki Airport can be arranged by the organizers.
The cost will be covered by the group and agreed based on the number of participants.

 Program Information

Day 1 (16 July):
13:00 – Arrival in Paralia, hotel accommodation, free time (beach)
18:00–19:00 – Dinner at the hotel
21:00 – Welcome reception with group leaders

Day 2 (17 July):
07:00–08:30 – Breakfast
11:00–16:00 – Boat excursion in the Thermaikos Gulf (20 EUR per person)
18:00–19:00 – Dinner at the hotel
21:00 – Welcome party at Aloha Beach with all participants

Day 3 (18 July):
07:00–08:30 – Breakfast
11:00–16:00 – Optional boat excursion or visit to Meteora or Thessaloniki
18:00–19:00 – Dinner at the hotel
19:30–23:00 – Festival evening on the square in Paralia or Olympic (certificate distribution and gift exchange)

Day 4 (19 July):
09:00–10:00 – Breakfast
11:00–17:00 – Beach time or optional visit to Meteora
21:00 – Free time in Paralia

Day 5 (20 July):
09:00–11:00 – Breakfast
11:30 – Departure of participants

 Optional Extra Days

Day 5 (continued):
09:00–10:00 – Breakfast
10:30–14:00 – Visit Katerini or beach time
19:00–20:00 – Dinner at the hotel
21:00 – Second festival evening

Day 6 (21 July):
08:00–09:00 – Breakfast
09:00–14:00 – Departure

Excursion Information

Festival participants may join optional excursions, including:

Boat Excursion in the Thermaikos Gulf:
Includes swimming stops and lunch on Variko Beach.

Visiting historical sites:
Meteora or Thessaloniki can be arranged.

Additional excursions:
For those extending their stay: visits to Katerini, more beach time, and additional festival evenings.