WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

With pleasure we invite folk ensembles, choral groups, art schools, majorette teams, orchestras, ballroom dance groups — including children, youth, and adult groups — to participate in the XXV International Music & Dance Festival “PARALIA SUMMER FEST”, which will take place from 8–13 July 2025 in Paralia, Katerini, Greece.

The festival’s goal is to present the cultural traditions of different countries and give participants the chance to connect, make new friendships, and share their culture through dance and music. The idea of the festival is to bring music closer to people by holding performances in public squares and streets. Paralia is a popular holiday destination on the Aegean coast, known for its sandy beaches. Festival events will take place on the main square in Paralia and Olympic Beach.

 General Rules

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

Open to children’s and youth folklore dance groups, modern dance groups, vocal groups, instrumental groups, soloists, and performers from other art styles.

Limited participation: only three groups per country.

Each group may include up to 50 members, including dancers, managers, and musicians.

Groups should prepare at least two folk dances, with a total program of 15–20 minutes, performed with an orchestra or USB.
Choral groups should prepare a free program of about 15 minutes.

Performances will be held in the evenings, leaving the daytime free for excursions and visits.

Groups must send a short CV and photos.

Groups should bring their national flag.

Groups must arrange their own transportation to and from Paralia.

 Accommodation Information

Participants will stay in hotels and apartments in Paralia and Olympic Beach, near the sea.
Accommodation includes two meals per day (half-board: breakfast and dinner).

Example hotels and apartments: Yakhintos, Katerina, Xenia Zeus, Ifigenia, Despina, London, Phenix, Rainbow Resort, Passion, Kronos, Bambus, and others.

Participation fee per person:

129 EUR – 3 nights / 4 days (half-board)

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

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

Additional double room: 12 EUR per person/day

Additional single room: 35 EUR per person/day

Rooms for leaders and drivers: two double rooms will be provided.

Tourist tax: 2 EUR per person/day

Participants may extend their stay: 39 EUR per person per day (half-board)

 Festival Organizers Provide

One free participant for every 24 dancers (24+1, 48+2)

Souvenir and gift for each group

Certificate of attendance

Welcome reception for group leaders (with drinks)

Free parking

Advertising and promotion of the festival (press releases, social media, posters)

 Insurance

Each group is responsible for arranging personal liability and health insurance.

Medical services will be available during the festival, but all medical expenses must be covered by the group.

 Program Information

Day 1 (8 July):
13:00 – Arrival and hotel check-in
18:00–19:00 – Dinner at the hotel
21:00 – Welcome reception for group leaders

Day 2 (9 July):
07:00–08:30 – Breakfast
11:00–17:00 – Free time (beach or optional visits to Thessaloniki or Katerini)
18:00–19:00 – Dinner at the hotel
19:30 – Free time, shopping, night out

Day 3 (10 July):
08:00–09:00 – Breakfast
09:00–16:00 – Boat excursion in Thermaikos Gulf
18:00–19:00 – Dinner at the hotel
21:00 – Party at ALOHA Beach

Day 4 (11 July):
09:00–10:00 – Breakfast
11:00–17:00 – Free time or optional excursion to Meteora
19:30–23:00 – Festival evening performance in the square in Paralia

Day 5 (12 July):
08:00–10:00 – Breakfast
10:30 – Departure

 Optional Extended Stay

Day 5 (continued):
09:00–10:00 – Breakfast
10:30–14:00 – Visit to Katerini or beach relaxation
19:00–20:00 – Dinner at the hotel
20:00 – Free time

Day 6 (13 July):
08:00–10:00 – Breakfast
10:30 – Departure

 Excursions Information

Boat Excursion in Thermaikos Gulf (Day 3):
09:00 – Departure from Paralia port
10:30 – Swim stop at Plaka Beach
11:00 – Arrival at Variko Beach for grilled fish lunch with Greek salad, juice, wine, ouzo
14:00 – Return to Paralia port with swimming stops in the open sea

Meteora Visit (Day 4):
Optional excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its monasteries.

Participants also have the option to enjoy beach time and visit nearby cities such as Thessaloniki or Katerini.