A Russian folklore group performs traditional dance at the Babylonian International Festival in Babil, south of Baghdad, on April 19, 2025. Photo: screengrab/Rudaw
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A Russian folklore group, alongside musical and dance ensembles from other countries, delivered mesmerizing performances on Saturday on the final night of the Babylon International Festival for Culture and Arts in the Iraqi city of Babil (Babylon), blending traditional dance with vibrant attire.
"This is a historic event between Iraq and Russia, as it marks the first participation after a long period of disruption of activities between these two nations," said Allaq al-Khalidi, director of the Russian House in Iraq - a cultural center dedicated to strengthening Iraqi-Russian cultural exchanges - told Rudaw.
"Those present represent the largest and best Russian troupe performing folkloric songs and dances from the Republic of Tatarstan, one of the republics of the Russian Federation,” he added.
A folklore group from Jordan, consisting of nine members, also showcased the traditional Jordanian dance.
“We want to share our Jordanian culture freely and widely,” said Aisha, one of the performers, to Rudaw during the festival.
Iraqi singer Ali Jassim also performed at the event. He told Rudaw that the festival “is a source of pride for every Iraqi,” stressing that "as artists, we are ready to participate every year and we are ready to do all that our country requires.”
Among the audience, five-year-old Fazil stood out in traditional Kurdish attire. Despite never having visited Kurdistan, the Babil native was inspired by Kurdish clothing he had seen on TV and mobile phones.
Fazil's father, Muhammad Ai’d, told Rudaw, “We bought this outfit from Baghdad. He [Fazil] told me, 'Dad, you must buy me this clothing for the Babylon Festival.”
The Babylon International Festival for Culture and Arts, first held in 1987, marked its 12th edition this year. The festival commenced on April 12 and ended on April 19.
Babil or Babylon, derived from ancient Babylonia, was once known as the heart of ancient world civilizations and capital of the Babylonian Empire. Today, it is one of Iraq's provinces, located 85 kilometers south of Baghdad.
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