WINTER FOLKLORE FESTIVAL IN BULGARIA
30 JAN – 03 FEB 2026
From
Duration
Folklore
Overview
The International Winter Nestia Folklore Festival – Winter Story in the Rhodopes will be held in the famous spa capital of the Balkans, Velingrad, Bulgaria. Known as the most popular Bulgarian thermal bathing destination, Velingrad is located 120 km from Sofia, at an altitude of 750–850 meters. The town boasts over 70 natural thermal springs, used for modern hotels, indoor and outdoor pools, and spa treatments, making it the perfect host city for an unforgettable folklore experience.
Who Can Participate?
The festival welcomes:
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Children’s, youth, and adult folklore ensembles
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Performing and veteran folklore groups
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Zumba and dance groups
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Majorettes
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Choirs, orchestras, and traditional singing groups
International ensembles from Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Serbia, Republika Srpska, Montenegro, Poland, Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Moldova, North Macedonia, Romania and other European countries take part every year, creating a rich cultural exchange.
Festival Program
The event lasts two days (Friday & Saturday). Groups should prepare two different performances with live music or playback (CD/USB/Flash).
Highlights include:
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Folklore performances on the main stage
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Gala evening with awards for Best Male and Female Folk Costume, Miss & Mister Festival, and Best Dance Pair
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Traditional festival dinners
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Cultural exchange and networking opportunities
Accommodation & Prices
Package: 5 days / 4 nights
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Hotel Vitoša 3* – €169 per person
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Renovated rooms, outdoor heated pool, buffet meals, located near the center of Velingrad
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Hotel Devi 3* – €169 per person
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Family-run hotel with 44 beds, restaurant, summer garden, heated outdoor pool
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The price includes:
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Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
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Festival participation fee
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Diplomas and souvenirs
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Free accommodation for 1 group leader per 15 paying participants
Transportation is not included (own arrangements required).
Drivers are accommodated with the group.
Registration & Payment
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Deposit: €30 per person upon contract signing
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Balance paid upon arrival and hotel check-in
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Payment can be made in monthly installments
In case of hotel changes, an equivalent option will be provided in agreement with the group.
Travel health insurance is mandatory for participants from EU countries.
Included/Exclude
- Diploma
- Gift From Organization
- Festival Organization
- Hotel Reservation
- Trip expenses, airport transfers, and parking
- Tourist guide, sightseeing, excursions
- Tourist city tax
- Health insurance
Festival Program
Refund Policy
As confirmation of its participation in this folklore festival, a group pays a deposit as a guarantee.
This deposit is non-reimbursable if you later decide not to come, for any reason. In case of unexpected circumstances or Force Majeure, the organizer reserves the right to change the event date or postpone it for the next year.
When paying by bank transfer, some tax fees may occur and we are not covering those expenses, they are paid by the group.
Application Form
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Hello I completed the form for Boulgarian Festival on 30th of January
About 46 people choice of Avliotes and madolinat of Corfu
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