“National Folk Games” Festival Held in Baku

The “National Folk Games” Festival was held in the capital, organized by the “Regional Development” Public Union and supported by the Baku City Executive Power.

The “Integrative Education through Extracurricular Activities” project, implemented within the framework of the “Supporting Public Initiatives in Science and Education” grant competition by the Ministry of Science and Education, aims to develop the creative, social, and cultural skills of students and educators. It also seeks to promote national and spiritual values through extracurricular activities and establish an interactive, practice-oriented educational environment in this field. A total of 6 schools from the cities of Baku, Aghdam, Khankendi, and Mingachevir participated in this project.

In the first phase of the project, Training of Trainers boot camp was organized for 24 participating teachers representing the aforementioned cities. Upon completing the training program, the teachers shared their knowledge and experience with students by conducting educational sessions in schools. The project also involved 120 students from the participating schools.

The festival took place at the Richard Sorge Park, one of the capital's beautiful venues, aiming to promote national heritage and preserve and pass down folk games to future generations. The event was attended by participating teachers and students, as well as officials from the supporting organizations, including the Baku City Executive Power, the Ministry of Science and Education, the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs, and the “Regional Development” Public Union. Representatives from the Azerbaijan State Academy of Fine Arts, YARAT Contemporary Art Space, the Azerbaijan National Sports Association, IMEK – International Music Education Center, and Azersun Holding were also present.

The results of the project were presented during the festival, which featured various national games and interactive activities for the participants. Traditional folk games such as chileme, deyirman, fincan-fincan, ich-chol, benovshe, gozbaglichi, qodu-qodu, and el uste were played, alongside national dance masterclasses and other sports activities. Young artists displayed their work across three distinct painting corners. Throughout the festival, a live DJ set kept the atmosphere lively, complemented by face painting, a bubble show, animator performances, and musical sets by young singers Aysu Sadigzade, Aylin Selimova, Deniz Huseynzade, and Safiya Allahverdiyeva.

At the closing ceremony, 6 teachers who actively participated in the project were awarded, and certificates were presented to all 120 participating students.