The International Nicosia Folk Dance Festival has returned for its 16th edition, featuring a variety of vibrant events. The opening ceremony took place at Kızılbaş Park, with performances by groups from Turkey, Italy, Iran, and Brazil. The festival began on the evening of Thursday, August 27, with a Cyprus Night event at Erdinç Gündüz Square in İplik Pazarı, followed by folk dance workshops, a concert by Grupo Otantik, and DJ performances.
Attendance at the Opening Ceremony
Among the attendees at the festival’s opening were President Tufan Erhürman and his wife Nilden Bektaş Erhürman. The couple enjoyed watching the dance performances and also had the opportunity to converse with participants. Also present at the ceremony was Mehmet Harmancı, the Mayor of Nicosia Turkish Municipality.
Cultural Convergence and Weather Conditions
Fikri Ataoğlu, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Sports, stated that the festival brings together groups from different countries on a single platform. Ataoğlu emphasized that folk dances are an important part of cultural identity and heritage. However, it was announced that the events scheduled for the previous evening were canceled due to adverse weather conditions. Such events, which unite Cypriot folk dances with foreign groups, facilitate a meeting of cultures and friendships through dance.
Source: www.diyaloggazetesi.com
