Kick-off of the last BabelFestival

We are ready for the very last edition of the BabelFestival. This festival arose from the 'Toren van Babel' project, which was an ode to the city's multilingualism and was a collaboration between hundreds of volunteers, Maud Vanhauwaert, Rooftoptiger, Archipel Kunstenwerkplek and many partners.

For three summers, the BabelBühne was a melting pot of sounds, smells and colors that the world is rich in our city. This way you could go on a trip in your own city during the corona period. Unfortunately, we are now at our final edition. The Bühne is making way for the construction of a whole new part of the city. But do not be sad!

We'll give it another big lap. All brakes loose, for a summer full of party, music, dance, treats and rituals, from the region and across all borders. In this way we cross-link the importance and power of multilingualism in the DNA of this site.

Nathaniel Melo(since 3 years house musician of the BabelBühne) opens this last BabelFestival with amusical dance ritual.Four dancers from different cultural backgrounds with a live music performance symbolize the four elements: fire, water, air and earth.

Maud Vanhauwaertis our hostess and guides us through the evening with appetizers from the entire summer program. She gives a stage to Aleksandr Skorobogatov, Tülin Erkan, Kaptue Blaise and Hosheng Ossi, poets from the four corners of the world.

Listen and watch carefully for the Ukrainian opera singerNelli Kotylevychsings the mystery from the depths of the well. Bring glitter because we will close the evening with Bollywood Dance.Ashu Anupagives an initiation, where everyone can try out this cheerful Indian film dance.

The Indian Ashu Devgune orAnupahave a beautiful and elegant authentic dance style  She has a classical dance training but specializes in Bharatnatyam (temple dance) the most ancient dance style of India, Marathi folk dance and Rajasthani folk dance.

No party without delicious  food. TheChez Maheshfoodcaravan provides everyone with its delicious Indian fusion kitchen.

In short: it will be an unforgettable Sunday and we certainly don't want to miss you!

Until then?

With and by:, Poêts: Maud Vanhauwaert (Belgium), Aleksandr Skorobogatov (Russia), Tülin Erkan (Turkey), Kaptue Blaise (Cameroon), Hosheng Ossi (Syria), singer: Nelli Kotylevych (Ukraine), Dancers :Olga Esteban ( Spain), Sergio Amorim (Brasil), Misako kato (Japan), Bode Owa (Nigeria). Musicians: Nataniel Melo (Portugal), Daniel González (Mexico), Suheir Abdou Rasoul (Iraq), Marcia (Brasil), Ashu Anupa (Belgium/India). Special Acts: Lieke Knoops (Belgium), DJ Pierre Wheelchair (Dam)

With the support of Rooftoptiger, Archipel, City of Antwerp, District of Antwerp, Het Oude Badhuis, Burgerbegroting, PEN Vlaanderen, Literatuur Vlaanderen, Vonk & Zonen, Behoud de Begeerte, Poëziecentrum, Bollyfit Antwerpen