Six countries compete in Iran’s children’s theater festival in Hamedan
The 29th International Theater Festival for Children and Youths officially began on November 1, 2024, with a grand opening ceremony at the Imam Ali Sports Complex in Hamedan, Iran.
The festival, which runs from November 1 to 7, has brought together six international groups from Uzbekistan, Armenia, Iraq, Brazil, Turkey, and Russia, as well as local artists and officials.
Hamedan’s Mayor, Seyyed Masoud Hosseini, welcomed the guests, saying, “This opening ceremony has been met with an unprecedented enthusiasm from children and youths, which is a good omen for the rest of the festival.”
He added, “You are guests in Hamedan, the capital of Iran’s history and civilization, which has nurtured great figures like Martyr Hossein Hamedani, and is home to valuable assets like these children.”
Hosseini emphasized that this is the second major event of the year in Hamedan, which has been recognized globally, and that the city is proud to host the festival.
He also expressed gratitude to the representatives of the people of Hamedan and Famenin for their efforts in bringing the festival back to Hamedan.
The Director General of Culture and Islamic Guidance of Hamedan province, Masoud Vijeh, told IRNA that the festival is unique in that it engages the general public and families, creating a wave of joy among children.
He noted that last year’s festival had over 100,000 attendees in various venues.
Vijeh added that their goal is to hold events not only in Hamedan but also in nine other counties of the province.
He mentioned that two mobile units will cover marginalized areas and villages, and TV networks will be activated to reflect the festival’s activities.
Hamedan has been a hub of artistic heritage in Iran, with many national artists hailing from the city. The first spark of international theater was ignited in Hamedan with the first International Children’s Theater Festival, held in 1991.