In 1969, on the occasion of the World Children’s Day, the first international festival of children’s songs and dances “Joy of Europe” was held in Belgrade with the support of the city government, President Tito, UNICEF and the United Nations General Assembly. More than half a century has passed since then and over 20,000 children have visited Belgrade. From the beginning, the main pillar of the event has been the hosts – parents, who welcome boys and girls from Europe into their homes, offering our traditional hospitality. The main idea of the event was and remains getting to know each other and creating friendships, and children’s play is at the centre of all events. In 1998, the 25th jubilee meeting “Joy of Europe” received a new program content – the International Art Competition, in which individuals, preschool institutions, schools, children’s art studios, children’s cultural centres and similar institutions participate since its establishment as well as associations from all over the world (children and the youth aged 4 to 18). Artworks created in the pencil, tempera, gouache, watercolour, pastel, ink, collage or graphics techniques have been making up the rich palette of the traditional manifestation for 26 years. They also find their place on the commemorative postage stamps “Joy of Europe” as a testimony that only the original, hand drawn and naive, carries fresh and strong creative power, because children have always drawn and enjoyed the creative process itself.
