We are honored to inform you that the 56th International Gathering of Children of Europe, “Joy of Europe”, will be held in Belgrade from October 1st to 6th, 2025.
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
“Joy of Europe” is the biggest and oldest festival of children’s creativity in Serbia. Founder and general sponsor of the International Gathering of Children of Europe is the Belgrade City Administration, with the Children’s Cultural Centre Belgrade as its executive producer. The “Joy of Europe” festival has the EFFE label of quality, granted by the European Commission.
The idea of establishing “Joy of Europe” was born after a performance of the Swedish Boy Choir in Belgrade back in 1968. Every year since then the festival aims to bring together children from across Europe through song and dance by showcasing their own culture and customs, as well as artwork at the International Drawing and Painting Contest.
PROPOSITIONS
The right to apply for the “Joy of Europe” festival have art schools, cultural centers, studios, clubs, associations, all groups that achieved remarkable results at national and international competitions, festivals etc. The participating group should be registered in European country, outside the territory of the Republic of Serbia and should represent culture of that country.
The performing group can consist of up to 15 children, between 7 and 14 years of age, and 2 adult companions – group leaders. It is strictly forbidden to cross the age limit, to bring older or younger children to the festival. Participants can present their work through dance (classical, traditional, jazz, modern, contemporary, hip-hop, break dance, etc.), music (vocal, band or choir), or multimedia type performance.
ACCOMODATION
Since the essential goal of this event is developing lasting friendships, socializing and intercultural learning through experience, the greatest and the most interesting fact of this festival is that the children are going to be accommodated in families of their peers from Belgrade schools (one child per family). Costs of hotel accommodation (BB) for 2 adult companions, only, are covered by the organizer.
The cost of traveling to and from Belgrade is covered by the participants themselves, and if during the festival their own bus is used, the organizer covers the cost of fuel for the duration of the event, as well as the costs of accommodation for 2 drivers.
THE SLOGAN
The slogan of the 56th International Gathering of Children of Europe “Joy of Europe”, is EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE IF YOU BELIEVE IN IMPOSSIBLE! The slogan is inspired by Lewis Carroll’s masterpiece “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”, which was first published exactly 160 years ago. This slogan was chosen to encourage both children and adults to dream without limits, explore a world full of wonders, and believe in their dreams, even when they seem impossible.
Lewis Carroll, the English writer, mathematician, and logician, created one of the most imaginative literary worlds of all time. His works remind us that the power of imagination is limitless and that the greatest wonders are possible only if we believe in them.
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How can groups approach the theme?
This year, we wonder what children consider as possible, what they see as impossible, and how their answers differ from those of adults. What does the world look like when viewed through the eyes of imagination, free from limitations, and where does reality end and magic begin in a world like this?
We invite all participants to explore the marvelous worlds of imagination and bring to life fantastic ideas, unexpected encounters, and extraordinary adventures through dance, song, and art. Just as Alice stepped into Wonderland, we too can step into new dimensions of children’s creativity and imagination.
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THE FESTIVAL PROGRAM
Basic program units of the festival:
• CARNIVAL – formal parade of participants in costumes through the city center
• FRIENDSHIP GATHERING CONCERTS – concerts at the Children’s Cultural Centre Belgrade
• GALA CONCERT – program broadcasted live on the national TV channel of Republic of Serbia
• ECO ACTIVITY & SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM
• EXIBITION OF THE 27th INTERNATIONAL ART COMPETITION “JOY OF EUROPE”
The application deadline is April 14th 2025. Any received application after the deadline will not be taken into consideration. The Board of the manifestation will then make the selection and the applicants will be informed about the results by April 30th 2025. Each country will be represented by only one chosen group.
Applications of potential participants should include:
1. A completed application form.
2. A video recording of the stage performance intended for the Gala Concert or a link to the video.
The completed application form and the video or link to the performance for the Gala Concert should be sent electronically to the email address savicin@dkcb.rs.
—> Download the application form
56th International Gathering of Children of Europe – “Joy of Europe” – MUSIC
56th International Gathering of Children of Europe – “Joy of Europe” – DANCE
WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU!
