INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL “DAYS IN PARALIA” 11 – 15 JUNE 2023

Director:  Jovan Jonoski

Application deadline: 20 February 2023

With pleasure we INVITE you (Folk Groups, Choral Groups And Orchestras Majorette Teams), (Children, Youth And Adults Groups) to participate in  International Festival Days In Paralia

Paralia (Greek: Παραλία) is a tourist seaside village and a former municipality in the eastern part of the Pieria regional unit, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Katerini, of which it is a municipal unit. The seat of the municipality was in Kallithea. The 2011 census reported a population of 1,124 for the village of Paralia, and 6,803 for the municipal unit. The community of Paralia covers an area of 1,849 km2. This idyllic, exotic and remote seaside place is the ideal escape for those who like long sandy beaches, relaxation and enjoyment. It is a destination designed to offer everything you need for the perfect vacation. In the evenings you can walk the streets of Paralia and enjoy the light of many shops, inviting you to forget about your worries and cares and to enjoy the colors and the glitter of all of the nice things that you can buy.

Purpose of the festival:

The organizer of the festival is International Folklore Festivals Ohrid Macedonia (IFFOM). The main purpose of this festival is to bring different cultures closer through songs, dances, music and interesting national costumes. The main idea of the organizers is to bring to the festival different choirs, folklore and modern dance groups, majorette teams and brass bands and orchestras from different countries and different parts of the world and to give them the exclusive opportunity to display their creativity on the stage.

The participants will have the opportunity to meet new people, establish new friendships and learn about different cultures and traditions.

The idea of the festival is to develop communication and dialogue between diverse cultures, by nurturing tradition, as well as modern dance and music styles.

• Participation fee:Accommodation in hotels in Paralia and Olympic Beach with 2* and 3*: 
  • • 99 euro per person for 3 nights half board (2 meals per day) 
    • 129 euro per person for 4 nights half board (2 meals per day)
    • Hotel 4**** 49 euros per person for 1 night

  If there are 24 paying participants in a group, the 25th will be free of charge.

  Supplement for double room is 8 euros per day per person.

  Supplement for accommodation in a single room is + 50% of the price to be paid for the single person accommodated in such room.

Participation fee includes:

• Accommodation according to the price selected and meals (HB: breakfast and dinner)
• 2 double rooms per group with no supplement to be paid (one for the leaders of the group and another for the drivers of the bus). The rest of the rooms are with 3 and 4 beds.
• Free parking for the bus
• On request, each group will have a person available to accompany them on their excursions.
• Certificates for participation.

Participation fee does not include:

• On request, a professional tour guide can be hired to accompany the group on their excursions, but the travel guide expenses will be covered by the group.
• Health insurance (First Aid and Medical Hospital will be available, medical services must be covered by the group).
• Greek tourist tax (1,5 euro per person per day)

Program:

Day 1
Checking in the hotel, free time for individual activities
Dinner in the hotel,
Welcome reception

Day 2
Breakfast
Boat excursion in the blue waters of Thermaikos Gulf
Dinner
Ensembles parade -Official opening of the festival

Day 3
Breakfast
Beach time or visiting Thessalonica or Katerini (optional)
Preparing activities for the festival
Dinner
Second festival evening

Day 4
Breakfast
Beach time or Visiting  Meteori (very famous historical place in Greece)
Dinner

Day 5
Breakfast
Checking out of the hotels

*The organizer reserves the right of changes in the festival program.

Conditions of the festival:

• Folklore and modern dance groups from all over the world
• The number of the participants is limited.
• No age limits.
• Gifts and Diplomas for participation in the festival are provided by the organizer.
• Organization of the performances of the participants and the parade.
• In order to participate in this festival, every group needs to fill in an application form.
• After receiving the application form and completion of advance payment, the organizer will send an official letter of invitation for participation at the Festival.

Obligations of the participants:

1. Each group must consist of dancers, musicians, group managers and administration.
   2. To prepare a program with a duration from 10 to 12 minutes.
   3. You can perform with live music, CD or USB.
2. You should have a flag and a sign with the name of the group for the Defile.
   5. Each group should bring at least 12 to 15 small gifts for exchange between the participating groups.
   6. The groups coming by bus should use their own transport all the time during the festival.
   7. If group needs visa, it is responsibility of the group to arrange it.
   8. Groups should submit rooming lists not later than one month before the start of the festival.

Insurance:
Personal responsibility and health insurance are within the other obligations of the groups. First Aid and Medical Hospital will be available, medical services must be covered by the group.

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.