The 11th International Children and Peace Festival has started.
The festival officially launched by the Minister of National Education and Culture Canan Oztoprak at a press conference today.
The festival was organized within the framework of the celebrations marking the 23 April National Sovereignty and Children’s Day.
This year’s festival will be held between the 17th and 24th of April.
Foreign groups are paying visits to government and state officials.
Various dance shows will be performed throughout the festival.
A cortege walk and a fashion show will be held on Monday, the 20th of April.
A special event, named `Cyprus Night` will be held in Iskele next Tuesday and an `Authentic Costume Show` the next day, as part of the traditional Festival.
This year’s gala program will be held at the Salamis Antique Theatre on the 23rd of April when the celebrations will reach climax.
The official celebration of the 23rd April National Sovereignty and Children’s Day will kick off with Canan Oztoprak’s opening speech to be broadcast live on Bayrak radio on Wednesday the 22nd.
This will be followed by children’s visits to state officials and local administrators.
On the 23rd, huge celebrations will mark the day with colourful performances of children to be staged at stadiums in Lefkosa, Girne, Guzelyurt, Gazimagusa and Iskele.
These will be accompanied by cortege walks in Guzelyurt and Iskele.
Meanwhile, the SOS Nursery School’s traditional children’s festival has taken place at the SOS Children’s Village as part of 23rd April celebrations.
Children enjoyed themselves at various playgrounds displayed at the Festival site.