Children across the country dressed up and decorated their homes for virtual celebrations, while a few social-distanced ceremonies allowed some to spread the holiday joy.
Every year on April 23, schools, stadiums and streets in Turkey light up with celebrations as children sing, dance and read poetry to mark the National Sovereignty and Children’s Day.
Top government officials, and politicians visit Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, to mark the National Sovereignty and Children's Day in Ankara, Turkey on April 23, 2021 #AA
— Anadolu Images (@anadoluimages) April 23, 2021
? : Ali Balıkçı pic.twitter.com/INZv27QmVR
Normally, it’s a day that many children await with excited anticipation, ready to show off their latest dance moves, shiniest shoes and memorised poetry for which they had diligently prepared in the weeks leading up to the celebrations.
Pakistan joins the Turkish nation in celebrating National Sovereignty and Children's Day.
— Pakistan Embassy Turkey (@PakinTurkey) April 22, 2021
We fondly recall the words of #Atatürk: “The rising new generation, the future is yours. We founded the Republic, you are the ones to elevate it and keep it alive.”
#23NisanKutluOlsun pic.twitter.com/jmuMGrkBs2
This year, like the last one, the coronavirus pandemic prevented the usual celebrations, but children in different cities are celebrating at home and participating in low-key official celebrations.
This article has been adapted from its original source.