WOFA brought together participants from Bulgaria, Lithuania, Poland and Italy for its first festival in Zanzibar, Tanzania. From cultural performances by the Indian Ocean to unforgettable island experiences, the event marked a new chapter in WOFA's international journey — with a return planned for 2027.
Zanzibar, Tanzania | 29 October – 4 November 2026
A new destination, four European countries, one unforgettable celebration of culture.
The World Festival Association (WOFA) successfully celebrated the first edition of the International Music & Dance Festival "Zanzibar Island Fest" in Tanzania, bringing together performers from Bulgaria, Lithuania, Poland and Italy on the beautiful shores of the Indian Ocean.
For WOFA, this was more than another international festival. It was an opportunity to connect European traditions with African culture, introduce participants to a completely different destination and create friendships that reach far beyond national borders.
On 1 November 2026, participating groups gathered in Nungwi for the festival evening, with the Indian Ocean and a spectacular Zanzibar sunset providing the backdrop.
The festival welcomed:
Bulgaria: Academic Choir "Angel Manolov" from Sofia
Lithuania: Šokių grupė "Saulėgrąža" ir kapela "Subegtinė" from Panevėžys
Poland: Zespół Folklorystyczny "Wielkopolanie" from Poznań
Italy: Gruppo Folk San Pantaleo from Olbia, Sardinia
Each group brought a unique part of its cultural heritage to Africa through traditional music, singing and dance.
The evening concluded with a certificate ceremony celebrating the participating ensembles, followed by an unforgettable gathering with local performers from Zanzibar.
Different languages, different traditions, but one shared passion brought everyone together.
The festival experience extended far beyond the performances.
Throughout their stay, participants had the opportunity to discover the natural beauty and cultural richness of Zanzibar.
From boat excursions and encounters with dolphins to visiting Prison Island and its famous giant tortoises, every day offered something new.
Participants also explored beautiful beaches, enjoyed the island's tropical atmosphere and visited the famous Rock Restaurant, one of Zanzibar's most distinctive landmarks.
These experiences allowed groups not only to perform internationally but also to travel, discover new cultures and create lasting memories together.
What made this first edition particularly meaningful was the atmosphere among the participants.
Group leaders met and exchanged experiences, performers supported one another, and new friendships developed between people who had travelled thousands of kilometres to be there.
It was a reminder of what international cultural exchange is truly about: bringing people together, respecting different traditions and discovering how much we have in common.
At WOFA, we believe that the most valuable part of travelling is not simply the places we visit, but the people we meet and the memories we create along the way.
Following the first edition, WOFA is pleased to announce the return of the International Music & Dance Festival "Zanzibar Island Fest" in 2027.
Dates: 29 October – 4 November 2027
The second edition will once again invite international performing groups to experience the combination of music, dance, cultural exchange and the extraordinary beauty of Zanzibar.
Applications for the 2027 edition are now open.
To every participating group, group leader, performer and local partner who contributed to this first edition: thank you.
Thank you for your trust, your enthusiasm and for travelling all the way to Zanzibar to become part of this experience.
We arrived from different countries, shared the same stage and returned home with memories that will stay with us for years.
Our journey does not end here.
From Europe to Africa and beyond, WOFA continues building bridges from nation to nation.
See you in Zanzibar in 2027!
Hakuna Matata!
WORLD FESTIVAL ASSOCIATION (WOFA)
We build bridges from nation to nation.
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