The aim of this international event is to emphasize the importance of love, peace, friendship, and brotherhood among children. It is a great pleasure and honor to witness groups representing their countries in this unique international gathering. We must hold tightly to feelings of peace, love, friendship, and brotherhood to live happily in a better world. At the end of the festival, groups will return home having gained many new friends and irreplaceable experiences, creating wonderful and unforgettable memories.
Eligible Participants:
Folk Dance (Traditional and Modern)
Folk Music
Folk Instrumental Music
Chorus Groups
Modern Dance
Brass Bands
Majorettes
Solo and Duet Groups
All ages (Children, Youth, Adults)
Performance Details:
Performance duration: Minimum 5 minutes, maximum 10 minutes.
Each group will perform on two nights in different municipalities in Istanbul.
Groups must fill out the APPLICATION FORM and provide a brief background of their previous activities abroad, along with group photos via email.
The festival will include three gift exchanges: two with municipality mayors and one with the festival committee during the welcoming meeting.
Accommodation Info
Accommodation Options:
3-Star Hotel
Price: €160 per person for 4 nights and 5 days.
Includes: Two meals per day (Breakfast + Dinner), accommodation in shared rooms (2-3 beds), and free Wi-Fi.
Maximum of 3 twin or double rooms per group. An extra fee applies for single and extra double rooms.
5-Star Hotel
Price: €210 per person for 4 nights and 5 days.
Includes: Two meals per day (Breakfast + Dinner), accommodation in shared rooms (2-3 beds), access to a summer/winter swimming pool, sauna, Turkish hamam, and an open buffet traditional and country breakfast + dinner.
Same room arrangements and additional fees for single and extra double rooms apply.
Discounts:
For groups of more than 20 people, 1 person stays free.
For groups of 40 people or more, 2 people stay free.
Lunch can be arranged as a packed option upon request.
Program Info
General Program:
Day 1: Arrival and meeting with Harman Folk Guide.
Day 2:
Morning: Visit Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Free), Topkapi Palace (entry fee applicable), and Grand Bazaar (historical area).
Evening: General meeting with festival committee, group leaders, and interpreters (Gift Exchange).
Day 3:
Morning: Boat tour on the Bosporus (optional, €15).
Visit attractions such as Panorama 1453 (panoramic museum), Turkuazoo Aquarium, Forum Istanbul shopping center, and Darica Zoo.
Important Notes:
All payments must be made in cash; travel cheques are not accepted.
If a group wants to stay in a single room, arrangements can be made for an extra fee.
A deposit of €500 is required by June 1, 2024, to secure hotel accommodations; this deposit is non-refundable.
Technical & Artistic Information:
The festival organization will provide essential equipment such as lighting, a stage, and microphones for musicians. Performances will primarily take place on open-air stages during the night, with some scheduled daily performances.
Medical Insurance:
All groups must secure their own medical insurance before attending the festival. The organization will not cover any medical or hospital costs incurred during the festival period, but an ambulance will be available 24/7 for emergencies.
Excursions Info
Transportation:
If groups arrive by bus, they will use their own transportation for all trips.
For groups arriving by plane, transportation will be arranged by hiring a bus for all ground transfers.
Transportation includes airport transfers, excursions, and transfers to performance venues. Payment for the bus service is due on the first day of the festival.
Transportation Costs:
For less than 14 participants: €30 per person per day.
For 15 or more participants: €25 per person per day.
For solo or duet participants (1-4 people): €40 per person per day.
Optional Historical City Visits:
Groups may visit historical cities (e.g., Bursa, Antalya, Side, Pamukkale, Cappadocia) before or after the festival.
