Children from different nations gathered at the festival organized by the UTAMARA Women’s Meeting Center, which operates in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate, to both enjoy themselves and showcase their artistic and cultural talents.

A festival under the shadow of war

The festival was held in the town of Unkel. In her opening speech, UTAMARA representative Gülistan Kanireş stated that the event was taking place under the shadow of ongoing war and violence in the Middle East. She said, “Today, as we hold this festival here, thousands of children and women in the Middle East are facing death and destruction. As the women of UTAMARA, we say: let the wars end, let children and women no longer die.”

Cultural colors and stage performances

As part of the festival, children showcased their artistic talents through stage performances, musical acts, and dances. Guests were also offered dishes from both Kurdish and German cuisines. Bringing together children from different ethnic backgrounds, the festival took place in a multicultural atmosphere.

A children’s folklore group from the city of Troisdorf, Germany, received great appreciation for their traditional folk-dance performance in Kurdish national costumes. The festival’s host, Ranya Alıcı, moved the audience with her emotional violin performance.