The milestone fiftieth International gathering of Children of Europe, the “JOY OF EUROPE”, started today with a carnival in Belgrade downtown.
About one thousand children in traditional costumes participated in a music and performance program and creative workshops of the general sponsor of the event, “Forma Ideale”, and “NIS” at Trg republike square, a ceremonial parade in Knez Mihailova Street and an opening ceremony at Kalemegdan.
In addition to children from twenty countries of Europe and special guests from another continent – children from China, the celebration also included children from the “Talia” Art Centre, “Children’s Day” Preschool Institution, “Blue Shell” Association, Wind Orchestra of the “Josif Marinkovic” Music School from Zrenjanin, Children Orchestra of the “Miloje Vasic” Primary School, Children Philharmonic Orchestra, DKCB Ballet Studio, Choir of the Cultural Centre of Zrenjanin, and a unique choir of three hundred children from six Belgrade primary schools, engaged in the “Belgrade Sings” project of the Music Culture Teachers Association of Serbia and the Secretariat of Culture of the Belgrade City Administration.
Beside the most beautiful children’s voices heard on stages and designated points at Trg republike square, Knez Mihailova Street and courts of the BC “Partizan” at Kalemegdan, the carnival program also presented Cica Mica Clown, clowns on stools and oversized metal doll “Control Nick”, moved by four actors. Majorettes from Pancevo, Kovin and Tivat and the Army Orchestra from Nis, who led the ceremonial parade, also added up to the carnival atmosphere.
The event was ceremonially opened at Kalemegdan with a performance of children from Serbia and Sweden. The idea on establishing the “Joy of Europe” gathering was created after a performance of the Swedish Boy Choir in Belgrade back in 1968. Therefore, the event organiser – the Children’s Cultural Centre Belgrade – decided to open the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the International Gathering of Children of Europe with a performance of children from Sweden. Supported by a huge audience, children from the Swedish town of Ludvika had an acrobatic circus performance that many professionals would not be ashamed of. With the sounds of the “Toast” event anthem and verses of the “Everything That Grows Wants to Grow” hymn, Tanja Petrovic’s NIPPON Karate Club members presented katas, and the 50th International Gathering of Children of Europe, the “Joy of Europe”, was officially opened with the “Children of Europe” song, performed by the Choir of the Children’s Cultural Centre Belgrade.
Tomorrow, on October 03, at 11 AM, 04 PM and 07 PM, the concerts titled “Friendship Meetings” will be held at the “Donka Spicek” Main Hall of the Children’s Cultural Centre Belgrade, where children of Europe and the world will have their artistic performances. Attendance is free of charge, but seats need to be booked at the reception desk of the Children Cultural Centre Belgrade, 8 Takovska Street, or at 32 42 011.
The founder and the sponsor of the International Gathering of Children of Europe is the Belgrade City Administration, with the Children’s Cultural Centre Belgrade as its executive producer. This year’s festival is executed with support of numerous sponsors, benefactors and friends, led by the general sponsor, “Forma Ideale” from Kragujevac, with long-standing tradition of implementing various activities for children and their creativity. The milestone anniversary is also supported by the Ministry of Culture and Information of Serbia, Dragica Nikolic’s Foundation, Delegation of the European Union to Serbia, NIS, Ušće Shopping Center, Coca Cola and many friends of the festival.
We are inviting you to celebrate the milestone anniversary together!
