Together Romania Association, shared the Folk Dance Fiesta on their pages in this way
Our Romanian partner, Together Romania Association, shared the Folk Dance Fiesta on their pages in this way. On behalf of Synaos Think Tank Association, I would like to thank dear Alexandru IORGA for his gracious gesture.
Folk Dance Fiesta, Turkiye 2025
“Folk Dance Fiesta” was an international Erasmus+ project that brought together 35 young people from Romania, Turkiye, and Hungary, between June 9–15, 2025, in the city of Kutahya, Turkiye. The goal of the project was to promote social inclusion, intercultural dialogue, and a shared European identity through traditional folk dance and creative arts.
The project was based on the belief that folk dances are more than cultural performances – they are authentic bridges between people, living expressions of history, values, and the collective emotions of each community. Through dance, young people can learn to express themselves freely, collaborate, and connect beyond linguistic or cultural barriers.
Over the course of 7 activity days, participants took part in a diverse program including dance workshops, non-formal learning sessions, intercultural reflection activities, thematic evenings, and social interactions. Each participating country had the opportunity to present its traditional dances, teach them to the others, and contribute to a genuine exchange of traditions, emotions, and values.
The project’s objectives focused on developing the intercultural, social, and artistic skills of young people, promoting diversity, and encouraging active participation in society. Participants had the chance to learn from one another, build self-confidence, empathy, and teamwork, while also exploring what it means to be part of a united Europe rich in cultural variety.
“Folk Dance Fiesta” proved that dance is a universal language capable of uniting generations and cultures, and that through creative and inclusive methods, young people can become ambassadors of tolerance, dialogue, and international cooperation. Organized by the Synaos Think Tank Association, the project combined educational workshops with vibrant local experiences. Supported by Kütahya Municipality, the public dance performances in Germiyan Street attracted great interest from the community. Accompanied by the elegant red-uniformed Eskişehir Marching Band, the parade led the way to the performance square, where each country’s dance group presented their folk dances. One of the most unforgettable moments came when the entire street joined together for the lively “Damat Halayı” (groom’s dance).
Following the public performance, the group visited the ancient city of Aizanoi — a stunning archaeological site that deeply impressed all the participants. The Temple of Zeus and the relief of Medusa were among the most photographed highlights. As tradition in Synaos projects, a symbolic group photo was taken at the Medusa relief. The grand finale of the project came with the Turkish Night, hosted in the beautifully prepared hall at the hotel with the support of Kütahya’s City Council Project Team. Although the Mayor could not attend due to a last-minute reason, the night was honored by Deputy Mayor Haşim Ertekin, City Council President Bülent Cebeci, and Head of Culture and Social Affairs Yıldırım Akgül. After an engaging presentation on Turkish and Kütahya culture, the folk groups performed their final dances, and Youthpass certificates were handed out. Participants from Slovakia received their certificates from Mr. Ertekin, Romania’s from Mr. Cebeci, Hungary’s from Mr. Akgül, and Turkish participants received theirs from the Head of Department, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elif Özdoğan. Custom-designed mugs by Keramika Factory and locally made tile keychains brought by Dr. Özdoğan were especially appreciated by the international guests.
https://asociatiatogether.wordpress.com/…/participatio…/
