Against a backdrop of Kurdish and Dutch flags, a broad and vibrant Kurdish–Dutch cultural festival unfolded in the city of Oosterhout in the Netherlands, transforming the venue into a living tableau of Kurdish heritage, art, and collective memory, while opening a bridge of cultural dialogue with Dutch society.
The festival was organized by the Kurdistani Diaspora Youth Federation, with the participation of the Office of the General Supervisor of the Kurdistani Diaspora Confederation. Held on Dec. 21, 2025, the event brought together cultural figures, artists, community leaders, and members of the Kurdish diaspora for a full-day celebration centered on cultural exchange, the revival of Yalda Night, and the preservation of Kurdish traditions.
The ceremony was attended by Qareman Osman, head of the Shifa Barzani Office; Shukri Berwari, representative of the Confederation; and Yad Amin, president of the Kurdistani Diaspora Youth Federation. The festival’s stated aim was to introduce authentic Kurdish culture, art, and heritage while strengthening cultural ties between Kurdish and Dutch communities, with a particular focus on highlighting the richness and aesthetic depth of Kurdish identity.
The festival opened with a dense and diverse artistic program that included multiple cultural segments. The opening was led by Malva, an active member of the Kurdistani Diaspora Youth Federation, alongside the festival’s hosts and two main stage performers, Kevin and Rosa, who guided the audience through the event.
In the fashion segment, a Kurdish traditional clothing show was staged, presenting detailed designs and embroidery of women’s attire by designer Rosa Hussein. Traditional male costumes were showcased with stage presentations prepared by Lapan Goran and Jala.
Music and performance formed a central pillar of the festival, with several groups and artists taking part, including a cultural orchestra and the pop group Prestige. Kurdish folkloric dance groups—Zagros, Koma Roj, and Koma Azadi—energized the audience with national performances that brought strong rhythm and collective spirit to the hall.
The program also featured a Mawlawi Sufi dance and daf percussion performances presented by Shler and Alan. Well-known Kurdish singers, including Karwan Hama Hallaq, Chrika, Dashni Baban, Dilbrin, and Bavail Sarhang, performed with their distinctive voices. In addition, a short film written and directed by Bavail Sarhang was screened as part of the cultural showcase.
Outside the main hall, a specially arranged space designed in the style of a mini bazaar allowed visitors to explore Kurdish traditional clothing and literary works by Kurdish writers, which were displayed and sold.
Marking the festival’s coincidence with Yalda Night, a special artistic table was prepared in a handcrafted style by a Kurdish woman to represent ‘Shawchla.’ In keeping with Kurdish hospitality traditions, a selection of traditional food and drinks was served to guests, including biryani, stuffed grape leaves, lentil soup, and salad—offered as a symbolic introduction to Kurdish cuisine for Dutch and international visitors.
Several speeches were delivered during the ceremony. A message from Shifa Barzani, General Supervisor of the Kurdistani Diaspora Confederation, was read by Qareman Osman. Shukri Berwari delivered remarks on behalf of the Confederation, while Yad Amin presented the address of the Kurdistan Diaspora Youth Federation.
The festival was attended by a number of prominent political, cultural, and social figures, including Dilawar Ajgayi, representative of the Kurdistan Regional Government; Miran Abraham, head of Kurdish PEN; and Herman Ahmed, editor-in-chief of Rawand Magazine, alongside other notable members of the Kurdistan Diaspora diaspora community.
Festival organizers expressed their gratitude and appreciation to Shifa Barzani and the leadership of the Kurdistan Ravandi Confederation for their material and moral support, and highlighted the organizational role of Rosa Hussein and the efforts of Yad Amin.
The festival concluded with a collective group photograph of guests and organizers on the steps of the hall, decorated with large Kurdish and Dutch flags. The closing scene reflected a spirit of national pride and peaceful coexistence, conveying a message of friendship, humanity, and cultural dialogue from the Kurdish community in Europe to Dutch society.
It is also noted that two volunteer freelance photographers sponsored the festival’s photography coverage, including Tango Rasul.
