The Foundation of European Carnival Cities was renamed Federation of European and Mediterranean Carnival Cities

A photo of all members of the Federation of European and Mediterranean Carnival Cities

On May24, at a formal session of the Municipal Council, the president of the Federation of European and Mediterranean Carnival Cities, Mr. Henry van der Kroon was conferred the title “Honorary Citizen of Pernik”. Along with other members of the foundation, he took part in the festivities dedicated to the Day of Slavic Letters. The guests visited Sofia, Plovdiv, Gabrovo and Veliko Turnovo. In Plovdiv they attended a mass in St. Ludwig Cathedral and prayed for the souls of the victims of terrorist acts. In Balabanov’s house the chairpersons of the national sections of the prestigious international organisation introduced their colleagues to the results of their one-year activities. In Gabrovo Mr. Henry van der Kroon granted the Cup of the European Carnival Cities to the winner in the local carnival. In Veliko Turnovo the foreigners watched the show “Sound and Light”.

The annual meeting of the 24th convention was held in Pernik.

The president of the foundation Mr. Henry van der Kroon presented a report. He was reelected to his post and the foundation was renamed to Federation of European and Mediterranean Carnival Cities (FEMCC). The next host of the convention was introduced – the town of Nadur, Malta, as well as the candidates to organise the conventions thereafter – French and Montenegrin towns.

The official closing of the forum took place in Boyana Residence, Sofia. The ceremony began with bringing in the FEMCC flag, bearing a flower metamorphosing into a smiling star – a symbol of beauty, harmony and love. Mr. Henry van der Kroon thanked the residents of Pernik for their hospitality and the opportunity he and his colleagues were given to visit also other towns, to get better acquainted with the Bulgarian lifestyle and ancient history. The participants in the ceremony sang the hymn of the organisation. Everyone was wearing insignia – diadems, special hats and medallions, symbolising their affiliation to the FEMCC.

Mr. Henry van der Kroon gave the mayor of Pernik Municipality, Mrs. Antoaneta Georgieva, a plaque with the inscription, “For the work, efforts and friendship.” As well as, “Be loving and the world will love you.” These words of Cicerone’s make up the FEMCC motto.

Representatives of over 15 countries gave presents to the hosts. The deputy mayor of Pernik, Mrs. Zoya Assenova, handed over the federation flag to the mayor of Nadur, Malta – the next host of the convention. “We promise to work hard and do as well as our hosts in Pernik,” said the representatives of Malta. The forum in Nadur will be held next year, from May 28 to June 5. It will mark its 25th anniversary.

Special thanks were expressed to President Georgi Parvanov, who was patron of the 24th convention and had a meeting with the board of directors.

“I hope that your hearts will cherish the love we wanted and gave you during the week we spent together. Let us promise each other to keep our family together – the family of carnival cities, since our traditions will preserve our national identity and through them we will be able to establish contacts with each other. And see that the world is our common home.” Thus Mrs. Antoaneta Georgieva concluded her speech to the delegates at the end of the 24th FEMCC convention.

What made the greatest impression on the guests from 22 countries, who took part in the convention, was the Bulgarians’ openness, eagerness to perform folk dances and sing folk songs, and respect for traditions.

“The week we spent in Bulgaria was very special for us. It was a wonderful experience,” Mr. Henry van der Kroon said.

Snezhana Dimitrova