Now in its third year, the Kurdish Children's Festival (Festîvala Zarokan) in the Swiss city of Winterthur is organized by the Swiss Kurdish Children's Assembly and supported by the Kurdish Institute of Switzerland (Enstîtuya Kurdî-Swîsre), the Kurdish Women’s Union of Switzerland (YJK-S), the Democratic Kurdish Council of Switzerland (CDK-S), and the Democratic Kurdish Community Center of Winterthur.

The Kurdish Children's Festival will take place on Sunday, July 13 at 10:30 AM at the Barbara-Reinhart grounds in Winterthur, Switzerland.

In an era when assimilation policies target children from a young age and native languages are silenced along migration paths, Kurdish children are once again bringing the most colorful form of resistance to the stage.

The festival aims to carry the community into the future alongside its children. This year's theme is: "We exist through our language, our colors, our children!" (Ziman, reng û zarok: Em bi wanê ne!)

Kurdish-language play, art, and culture workshops at the festival will offer children the opportunity to connect with historical memories.

With just days to go, children are calling for participation. They are inviting all Kurdistanis, especially their peers, to attend the festival.

While the technical preparations are ongoing, children continue working on their artistic contributions to the festival. Poetry, painting, chess, and running competitions will take place. A children's choir, theater group, and folkloric dance troupe are also rehearsing for their performances.

Children will take the stage

Children will perform poetry readings and storytelling in their native language throughout the festival. There will be theatrical performances, painting and drawing workshops, folkloric dance shows, and various game stations.

A children's fashion show will also take place, showcasing traditional Kurdish clothing. All preparations to meet children's needs are in their final stages.

Along with the Children’s Choir (Koma Zarokan), the following artists and groups will perform: Rotînda, Sherif Omerî, Eleonora Gelawêj, Dîlber Hêma, Koma Jalaho, Koma Awaza Mîtîra, and Koma Dengê Azadî.