16th International Folk Dance Festival kicks off in Lefkoşa: ensembles from five countries

The 16th International Folk Dance Festival has opened in Lefkoşa. It began with a parade of participants and a gala concert, with ensembles from the TRNC, Turkey, Italy, Iran and Brazil performing on the stage at Kızılbaş Parkı.

The festival is organised by the Turkish Municipality of Lefkoşa in cooperation with the city's folk dance societies. This year, the programme partners are the Lefkoşa Folklore Society, the FOGEM and TUFAD associations, the Union of Youth Centres and HASDER.

Those attending the opening included TRNC President Tufan Erhürman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environmental Protection Fikri Ataoğlu, Social Democratic Party Chairman Zeki Çeler, Lefkoşa Mayor Mehmet Harmancı, members of parliament and municipal council members.

In his speech, Harmancı noted that over the years, Kızılbaş Parkı had become a meeting place for different cultures thanks to the work of the folk dance societies. He also addressed the cancellation of the Barcelona football school camp planned in the TRNC, saying that children should not be prevented from taking part in sports.

Performances will continue at Kızılbaş Parkı on 31 August. The festival will conclude on 1 September with a closing ceremony and final performances by the ensembles.