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All national delegations are encouraged to join in the celebration.
The intent of the festival is to bind children from all nationalities together and to make long-lasting friendships. This event is a learning opportunity that exposes children in our community to different cultures.
Activities for the day will include International Youth Association dance shows, traditional Turkish folk dance shows by a dance group from Cologne, face painting, clowns and magicians, moon bounce, NATO train, E-3A static display and much more. Goodies will be available throughout the day, including free cotton candy.
The International Children’s Festival began in Turkey April 23, 1929. This day has a special meaning in Turkish history because it was on this day in 1920 the first Grand National Assembly of the country was established. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey and its first president, suggested April 23 be Children’s Day worldwide.
The modern day children’s international festival is celebrated annually by children all over the world. Events are broadcast on television showing children in their national/international costumes and dancing outfits.
The Geilenkirchen International Children’s festival is open to anyone with valid NATO/US ID cards and all events are free. If you choose to take partake in the local Turkish foods and sodas, however, there are nominal charges at these booths.
If any nation wishes to organize a children’s performance during the festival, please contact the Turkish delegation no later than April 12 so they can be added to the schedule. Turkish delegation points of contact are Maj. Kabasakal and Maj. Yılmaz.
They can be reached at 0049-2451-63-2196 or by email: ziyakabasakal@hotmail.com.
