By Michael Balderston
Getting a plane ticket to Europe will cost you a pretty penny with today’s airlines, but what if you and your kids could get a taste of European culture without a passport? Kids Euro Fest, put on by the European Union Delegation to the U.S. and European American Cultural Foundation, gives you that chance as performers from all 28 countries of the European Union will take part in the festival that runs until Nov. 9 in D.C.
“It’s really bringing Europe to children and their families,” says Sandra Auman, Cultural Affairs Officer for the European Union Delegation to the U.S., “families that may never have the chance to go to Europe.”
Everybody knows about France, Italy and the U.K., but here are some smaller EU countries that you can learn about at this year’s fest.
Cyprus – The Voice of Opera
Professional opera singer Constantinos Yiannoudes shares his craft with kids not only by singing some of opera’s great works but bringing real props and costumes and turning select members from the audience into budding opera stars. Yiannoudes also shares stories and classic folk songs from his home country. “The power of the voice, which is not amplified by electronics,” is one of the most important things Yiannoudes sets out to accomplish with his performances for the kids.
Hungary – Living Hungarian Folk Art
Bela Bartok, Hungary’s most famous composer, described Hungarian folk traditions as “beautiful to the eye; beautiful to the ear.” Find out exactly what he meant with a live performance of the countries folk dancing and music, featuring stunning costumes and instruments you’ve never seen before. Watch this enchanting performance complete with folk games and even a quick “dance house” – a Hungarian dance lesson.
Luxembourg – Mr. Hublot
Last year’s Oscar-winning animated short hails all the way from the country of Luxembourg. “Mr. Hublot” centers on a withdrawn, quirky character that is afraid to leave his tiny apartment in a crowded mechanical city. But when he rescues a tiny puppy-like robot Mr. Hublot’s life gets turned upside down when the puppy continues to grow and grow. The film was written and directed by Luxembourg born filmmakers Laurent Witz and Alexandre Espigares.
Estonia – Aha! Fun with Science
Science is everywhere, especially in Estonia. See how science affects the daily life of this Baltic country in northern Europe with experiments that include exploding toothpaste, giant bubbles and driving through super thick fog. Learn just how much science is present in everyday life, not only in Estonia, but right here in northern Virginia.
Lithuania – Mozaika
There is no age limit to experience Europe. Mozaika proves that with this special program that is designed for babies and toddlers. This Lithuanian dance company entertains and educates by piecing together a puzzle (mozaika) of shapes that turn into fruits, vegetables and other recognizable items. Mozaika was a nominee for Best Children’s Performance by the Lithuania Ministry of Culture in 2013.
Malta – The Complete History of Malta (More or Less)
Take a crash course in Malta’s history with this hilarious ride through the country’s 7,000 year existence. Maltese native Malcolm Galea wrote the play that covers the small islands history that includes cavemen, knights and pirates. “The children will first and foremost enjoy [the play] while having a good laugh,” says Galea. “They will also hear about a place that sounds like a fantasy setting in an adventure book – only it’s real!”
Kids Euro Fest 2014 is currently underway. Get information on the shows here.