International Children’s Day was celebrated on Sunday, April 25th at Owen Elementary School in Naperville, IL with the performance of six children’s dance groups representing their ethnic cultures. State Representative Paul Froehlich and Turkish Vice Consuls Azize Sargin and Aylin Karaman also attended the event.

The following dance groups performed their ethnic and folkloric dances in traditional costumes: Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago, The Chicago Okinawa Kenjinkai, Mexican Folk Dance Company of Chicago, Polanie Dancers of the John Paul II Polish School in Lemont and Romeoville, ARCC Ballet & Dance and Turkish American Cultural Alliance Youth Folk Dancers. The dance groups represented India, Japan, Mexico, Poland, USA and Turkey respectively.

More than 200 parents and kids gathered to enjoy this event. In addition to watching the performances by other children, kids enjoyed other activities such as a magician performance, face painting and animal balloon making. Children representing Japan demonstrated how to do origami.

Furthermore, the teachers and leaders of the guest performers commented that it was thrilling for the kids to be a part of an international event of this magnitude. They were really excited to see other children’s costumes and performances.

Children's Day originated from the first gathering of the Grand National Assembly on April 23rd, 1920. Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, gifted April 23rd to the children of the country, so that they would cherish their independence that had cost the nation so much, but at the same time walk the path of "Peace at Home, Peace in the World."

The Turkish American Cultural Alliance has been bringing this celebration to Chicago in the same spirit, to share the Children’s Day joy with children of all backgrounds, allowing them to learn and appreciate different cultures, experience a fun event with family and friends, showcase their talents and make new friends.

TURKISH AMERICAN CULTURAL ALLIANCE
TACA is a non-government, not-for-profit organization established under the 501(c)3 laws within the United States with the mere purpose of bringing people with interest in the Turkish culture together since 1968. TACA commits itself to continue to facilitate the interaction among its members to foster and promote the Turkish culture, art, history, and heritage among its communities, and to organize activities to bring together the Turkish-American Communities of Illinois and Northwest Indiana.

Photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/TACAEvents/9thIntlChildrensDay#
Photo Credits: Taylan Orhon, Baris Tasdelen
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