as part of the Peacebuilding and Stability Project in Iraq, a group of volunteers, in collaboration with the Peace and Freedom Organization, organized the “Kirkuk Peace Festival” on October 4, 2024, at the gardens of smile_land Amusement Park in Kirkuk.

 

 
The festival’s program included a variety of activities and events. It began with the Iraqi national anthem, followed by an opening speech, and then musical and artistic performances.
 
There were also poetry readings and a fashion show featuring traditional clothing that reflected the heritage and folklore of the diverse religions and ethnicities in the governorate. Other segments of the festival included a handicraft bazaar to support small businesses for women and youth, as well as face painting for children.
 
The goal of the festival was to promote the spirit of brotherhood and peaceful coexistence amid the political tensions and conflicts that occasionally occur in Kirkuk, which negatively affect the community.
 
The festival saw the attendance of several government employees, along with a large number of families from different backgrounds and ethnicities, reflecting the positive engagement and cultural diversity of the local community.
 
This initiative is part of the Peacebuilding and Stability Project in Iraq, implemented by the Peace and Freedom Organization in partnership with the International Rescue Committee and supported by the FCDO.