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Representatives of migrant communities in Slovakia, in cooperation with the IOM Migration Information Centre (MIC), organized several events in the first three months of 2014. These events helped to promote community life of migrants, awareness of different cultures and mutual understanding of the majority and migrants in Slovakia.

Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring

Indian, Peruvian and Russian community in Košice organized a happening to introduce various festivities welcoming the spring season – Slovak Fašiangy, Russian Maslenica, Indian Holi Festival or Peruvian carnival. Visitors learned about the customs and traditions associated with these celebrations, tasted traditional dishes of different cultures and danced to the rhythm of Latin American music.

Babinec

Islamic Foundation organized its traditionally popular Babinec dedicated to women of all continents. The rich three-day program was full of colours, workshops, education, emotions and smell of Moroccan tea. Theatrical performance Painted With Fear was part of Babinec, followed by a discussion with its cast.

Chinese New Year

Slovak – Chinese Friendship Alliance offered the Chinese community in Slovakia and its Slovak and international friends a celebration of the coming New Year of Horse according to the Chinese traditions. Festival of Lanterns was also part of the celebration, and it was attended by more than 100 people.

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Ecuadorian Film Festival

A small Ecuadorian community organized a first Ecuadorian Film Festival held in Nitra and Bratislava. Six movies of Ecuadorian production were screened during four weeks, offering a view of the country’s identity through their impressive stories.

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Francophone Africa

Lovers of the French language had the unique opportunity to attend an information meeting Francophone Africa, held on the International Day of Francophony in March. Migrants from the four countries of Francophone Africa discussed how the French language influenced culture, history and the relationship of their country to the current migration trends.

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Persian World Celebrated their New Year – Nawroz 1393

In Slovakia, members of the Afghan and Iranian communities were joined in celebration by people from the countries of Central Asia and by their Slovak and international friends. The arrival of the New Year was celebrated with singing and dancing. Haft – a traditional table with symbols of Nawroz and the upcoming spring was also prepared.

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