Kurdish Culture Takes Center Stage at Festival in Dutch City

[Anthea]

Kurdish Culture in Dutch City Festival

A Kurdish–Dutch cultural festival in the Dutch city of Oosterhout on Dec. 21 turned a flag-lined hall into a showcase of Kurdish heritage, blending music, fashion, food and ancient seasonal traditions in an effort to introduce Kurdish culture to a wider Dutch audience

Organized by the Kurdistani Diaspora Youth Federation with the participation of the Office of the General Supervisor of the Kurdistani Diaspora Confederation, the day-long event brought together artists, cultural figures, community leaders and members of the Kurdish diaspora. Organizers said the festival was designed to promote cultural exchange and highlight the depth and aesthetic richness of Kurdish identity.

The program opened with a series of artistic presentations, including a fashion segment introducing traditional Kurdish clothing. Women’s outfits featuring intricate embroidery and detailed designs were presented by designer Rosa Hussein, while traditional men’s attire was showcased through stage presentations prepared by Lapan Goran and Jala, offering audiences a visual introduction to Kurdish dress traditions

Music and performance played a central role throughout the event. A cultural orchestra performed alongside the pop group Prestige, while folkloric dance groups Zagros, Koma Roj and Koma Azadi took to the stage, using synchronized movement and rhythm to convey collective expression and national identity.

Beyond the main hall, visitors moved through a specially arranged mini bazaar, where Kurdish traditional clothing and literary works by Kurdish writers were displayed and offered for sale, extending the cultural experience beyond the performances.

The festival coincided with Yalda Night, an ancient celebration observed around Dec. 20 and 21 to mark the winter solstice and the longest night of the year. Yalda symbolizes the rebirth of the sun and the triumph of light over darkness. To reflect the tradition, a handcrafted artistic table representing “Shawchla” was prepared by a Kurdish woman, serving as a visual explanation of the custom for visitors unfamiliar with it.

In keeping with Kurdish hospitality, guests were served traditional dishes including biryani, stuffed grape leaves, lentil soup and salad, presented as an introduction to Kurdish cuisine for Dutch and international attendees.

Several speeches were delivered during the event. A message from Shifa Barzani, General Supervisor of the Kurdistani Diaspora Confederation, was read by Qareman Osman, head of the Shifa Barzani Office. Shukri Berwari spoke on behalf of the Confederation, while Yad Amin delivered remarks representing the Kurdistani Diaspora Youth Federation.

The festival drew political, cultural and social figures, including Dilawar Ajgayi, a representative of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Miran Abraham, head of Kurdish PEN, and Harmn Ahmed, editor-in-chief of Rawand Magazine, alongside other members of the Kurdistani diaspora community.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/902355