The European umbrella organization KCDK-E has issued a statement about the preparations for the 32nd International Kurdish Cultural Festival to be held on Saturday in Rebstockpark in Frankfurt am Main.

Tens of thousands of participants from Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Belgium are expected. This year's slogan is "Break isolation and occupation - freedom for Abdullah Öcalan".

The organizer is the Democratic Federation of Kurdistan Societies (KAWA). Engin Sever, co-chair of the KCDK-E, said that the festival is taking place at a time of massive attacks and that Kurds are being subjected to cultural and physical genocide. He said: "On 21 September, the Kurdish people and their friends will once again send a clear message against isolation and annihilation attacks and show the whole world their will for freedom. At a time when our dances are banned and there is no tolerance for speaking and singing in Kurdish, we must defend our culture and history against the fascist, racist and monistic mentality."

"Stand up for the freedom of Öcalan and Kurdistan"

The festival will be another highlight of the "Freedom for Öcalan, political solution to the Kurdish question" campaign initiated worldwide in October 2023, added Zübeyde Zümrüt, co-chair of the KCDK-E. She said: "Dozens of well-known personalities from different countries who are involved in the international campaign will take part in the festival and stand up for the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan and the joint commitment against the massacres in Kurdistan."

Safety precautions

The co-chairs of the KCDK-E called on the participants to contribute to the safe running of the festival, and said: "Everyone should take responsibility for ensuring that the festival runs in a safe and smooth way. Bringing flammable and health-hazardous materials onto the festival grounds is not permitted. Backpacks, suitcases and perfumes are definitely not allowed on the grounds."