The Joys Of Europe Discussed In Detail

Who would ever think that what started in the year 1969 as a European dance festival is to make Belgrade the children's capital of Europe annually since then? What started as pure and simple joy could actually turn out to give such great joys to Europe in its international manifestation of children's creativity. On the occasion of the World Children's Day, children from many countries of Europe gather in Belgrade to be welcomed into the homes of participating families in order to celebrate this truly happy occasion running from the first day of that month up to the 5^th.

Perhaps the oldest and largest international gathering of European children, the "Joy of Europe" acknowledges and celebrates the many talents of children from different European countries from singing, dancing, stage performance and yes, the most important of all, their ability to make friends and enjoy "life" along with its many blessings. It would be such a sight every October in Belgrade where you will find children sharing their talents and performing before a live audience in their very raw manifestation of talents.

For over 40 years, there can be no country in Europe whose children do not come to represent them and to share their abundant talents and creativity to the European public. People in Europe owe it to the City of Belgrade along with the Belgrade Children's Center for initiating the organization of this top notch event. With the aim of bringing together children from across Europe, they have thought of using this venue to promote awareness of the different customs and cultures through their respective songs and dances.

Do you know that the "Joy of Europe" has not been hindered from continuing the tradition as it was held even during the time when Serbia or formerly Yugoslavia has been put in isolation by the international community? Year after year, the manifestation has continued with changes given only in the form of various themes and contests depending on what the organizers deem to be fitting for that particular year.

As for this year which is the 42^nd gathering and manifestation for the "joy of Europe", the gathering evolved around the theme "If the trees could walk". Yes, it appears based on the title of a poem written by Grigor Vitez, a famed children's writer. The UN General Assembly has come up with a resolution declaring the year 2011 as the International Year of Forests and this has been in the minds of the "Joy of Europe" organizers all along. It should be great to come as one who is able to witness this gathering where children sing, dance and act in observance of the contemplation of what has been happening to our trees and forests.