The Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan organised the interactive festival “Journey to Europe” at Arkach Shopping Centre in Ashgabat as part of the Europe Day celebrations in Turkmenistan.

Designed as a family-friendly event, the festival transformed Arkach Shopping Centre into a symbolic journey across Europe, inviting visitors to discover the cultural diversity of the European Union and its 27 Member States through learning, entertainment and interactive activities.

The highlight of the event was the “EU Passport Quest,” an engaging activity that invited participants to travel through country-themed stations located throughout the shopping centre. Visitors received specially designed traveller’s passports and explored different EU Member States through quizzes, interactive activities and cultural discoveries. Participants who collected stamps from all stations and successfully completed the quest received EU-branded souvenir prizes.

The festival featured all EU Member States stands, EU-funded project displays, music performances, stage activities and entertainment throughout the day, creating a vibrant Europe Day atmosphere for visitors of all ages. Ambassadors of EU Member States represented in Turkmenistan also took part in the event, engaging with visitors and interacting with participants throughout the quest. The programme also featured both European and Turkmen dances, as well as performances of Turkmen songs, reflecting the spirit of cultural exchange and friendship. Together, the activities offered audiences an opportunity to experience the richness, diversity and shared values that connect European and Turkmen cultures.

The festival aimed to strengthen people-to-people connections between the European Union and Turkmenistan, raise awareness about the European Union, promote the Global Gateway initiative and increase visibility of EU-funded projects operating in Turkmenistan, while encouraging intercultural dialogue through an engaging and accessible format.

In her welcoming remarks, H.E. Ms Beata Pęksa, Ambassador of the European Union to Turkmenistan, stated: “Just as a Turkmen carpet is woven from many threads, Europe is built from many peoples, languages, traditions and cultures. We hope you will have the chance to experience this today! Let’s celebrate the richness and diversity of both European and Turkmen cultures!”