Turkey Juggling Festival: Jfest keeps all the balls in the air and more in Antalya

World
Europe

Turkey's annual juggling festival is celebrating its 12th year. Jugglers, dancers and art lovers came together to enjoy a joyful week at Sundance Nature Village in Antalya, Turkey. CGTN's Michal Bardavid has more from this colorful event.

In this festival – the louder, the crazier, the better! People are joining the festival here in Antalya Turkey, known as Jfest. People are encouraged to connect with their inner child -to be playful and creative.

Jugglers of all levels practice the art form day and night with music in the background adding joy to the environment.

MICHAL BARDAVID ANTALYA One of the main philosophies of this festival is sharing: sharing knowledge, space, food and of course experiences. Only part of the program is fixed before the festival begins – the rest depends on the participants. People here are encouraged to add their own workshops to the schedule and share their talents with others in the festival.

The festival co-founder believes juggling reflects life.

DENIZ SOYARSLAN JUGGLING FESTIVAL CO-FOUNDER "Juggling for me is like a game that represents being able to multi-task in life. When you go deeper into it, you can see life reflected in its'philosophy. It teaches me and reminds me of ways to lift things that I've dropped in life and it's a technique that shows me the way to find balance and flow in life."

Throughout the week, jugglers enjoyed mini concerts, performances, classes and tournaments. One of the most popular events of the festival is the juggling Olympics! Jugglers get to show off their talents as they compete in a variety of juggling games.

OZGUR JUGGLER "Juggling isn't just throwing around balls or just a simple technique, it also includes dance, theatre and music, so it has evolved into an interactive art form."

Many of the participants expressed the festival atmosphere is very welcoming especially to beginners.

WONG JU CHINESE PARTICIPANT "This is my first experience and I have no idea how to start everything, how to start playing, trying out, nice people are coming to me, giving me tips and help me practice better – and I really enjoyed that."

The organizers of this festival have one message to those with interest in juggling: Just come as you are, come and play; there's no judgment here. Michal Bardavid, CGTN, Antalya Turkey.