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XI INTERNATIONAL WINTER FOLKLORE FESTIVAL “WINTER STORY IN BANSKO” 2027

Destination
Bansko, Bulgaria
Dates
11–15 Mar 2027
Length
5 days · 4 nights
Apply by
11 Feb 2027

Overview

The festival

The XI International Winter Folklore Festival “Winter Story in Bansko” 2027 takes place in Bansko, Bulgaria, surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery.

Folklore ensembles and cultural groups from different countries come together to celebrate tradition and friendship. Participants can present their traditions, meet international ensembles and enjoy a memorable winter stay.

Special recognition is organized for the most beautiful male and female traditional costumes, Miss and Mister Festival, and the best dancing couple.

Program

Day by day

Thursday 11 March

Saturday Concert

  1. —

    Afternoon: first day of official festival performances.

Stay & prices

Accommodation & participation

The festival package lasts 5 days / 4 nights.

Drivers are considered part of the group and are accommodated together with participants.

Booking & Payment Terms

  • A deposit of EUR 40 per person is required when signing the agreement. The remaining amount is payable upon the group’s arrival and accommodation at the hotel.
  • Payment in several monthly installments may be arranged with the organizer.
  • If the originally planned hotel reaches full capacity or cannot accommodate the group, an alternative hotel offering comparable conditions will be provided in agreement with the group.

Plan your arrival

Travel & Logistics

Closest airports

  • Sofia Airport (SOF) — ~160 km (about 2 h 15 min)

    Budget airlines serving this airport: Wizz Air, Ryanair, easyJet
  • Plovdiv Airport (PDV) — ~150 km, limited flights

    Budget airlines serving this airport: Ryanair, Wizz Air

Train & coach arrival

• Narrow-gauge railway Septemvri–Bansko (scenic, slow) • Direct coaches from Sofia (about 3 h)

Organised by WOFA

• Airport & port transfers: available on request — share your flight or ferry details and our team will send a quote and coordinate private group transport to your hotel. • Local group coaches: private transport can be booked on request for concerts, performance venues and day trips. • Excursions & guided tours: tailored sightseeing and activities can be arranged for your group with upfront pricing. • All additional services are optional and priced on request, based on your group size and schedule.
Contact WOFA

Getting around

Taxis and accommodation shuttles support local journeys; ski shuttles are seasonal.

Practical notes

Mountain roads require seasonal planning. Confirm winter suitability, hotel coach access and parking before travel.

Before you go

Rules, excursions & practical details

Participation

The festival welcomes children’s, youth, preparatory, performing, veteran and mixed folklore ensembles, dance groups, zumba groups, majorette groups, vocal groups, choirs and orchestras.

Each group should bring a board or banner displaying its ensemble name, as well as its national flag.

Health Insurance

Travel health insurance is mandatory and must be arranged individually by participants or groups.

Performance & Stage

  • Each group should prepare a performance program lasting no more than 12 minutes.
  • Performances are normally held on open-air stages. In unfavorable weather, they are moved indoors.

Excursions

Optional excursions and sightseeing activities may be organized during the stay. Upon confirmation of participation, the main organizer will inform groups about available excursions and destinations.

Time outside the performances is available for leisure, sightseeing, winter activities and optional excursions.

More dates

Other editions of this festival

Location to be announced

18–22 Mar 2027

5 days · 4 nights

Application deadline

Not announced

Price on request

11–15 Mar 2027111 days left
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