About The Festival
Our History The rich tradition of the Norfolk International Azalea Festival began in 1953, one year after the establishment of NATO's Allied Command Atlantic in Norfolk. In that year, the citizens of Norfolk organized a salute to these allied forces in order to create new friendships, provide a basis for cultural exchange, recognize the military's role in maintaining peace in the world, and pursue new lines of trade between Norfolk and the world. In the years since its inception, the International Azalea Festival has developed into a festival filled with events that are attended annually by thousands of people. The transition of the NATO command to the Allied Command Transformation (ACT) brings more nations than ever to the celebration in 2009, and expands even greater the international community here in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Our Mission Today Our mission is to recognize and celebrate the international influence the NATO Command in Norfolk, VA, and its 28 member nations brings to our city. During the week long celebration, we offer education programs for our children, cultural events to engage all citizens, and opportunities to empower our industries. Each year, we focus the celebration on a single nation and all events staged will celebrate the people, culture and industry of that nation. Our Intent To salute NATO with a week long Festival that will foster understanding between the community of Hampton Roads and our International Allies. A greater understanding of our Allies will be achieved through: the development and scholarship of educational program for students of all ages; offering free cultural programs to the public; and pursuing new trade opportunities between Norfolk and the world. Norfolk's International Azalea Festival is the longest, continuously running festival in the region and the only one in the nation saluting NATO.
Our Festival Includes A "Most Honored" Nation - One of the NATO nations will be selected to be the focus of the week long Festival. Their culture, industry, and people will be the center of our celebrations. A “Queen” to act as an Goodwill Ambassador for the Most Honored Nation.The Queen's visits include local schools, hospitals, and sites of cultural significance. A Queen's “Court” - A Court of young people will represent the nations of NATO. The Court shall include "Royal" Princesses and a Student Diplomatic Corps that will engage in independent study to understand the nation they have been selected to represent. Their work will be showcased during a Model Nation Challenge where they will be aligned with National Liaison Representatives, from the NATO member nations, to debate issues important to NATO. Our Educational and Cultural Collaborators Each partner hosts lectures, symposiums, and cultural events leading up to and during the Festival week. Norfolk Public Schools * Allied Command Transformation * Old Dominion University Sister Cities Association * Norfolk State University * World Affairs Council * Virginia Arts Festival Norfolk Convention and Visitors Bureau Our Celebrations Geared to highlighting arts and culture of the international NATO community, including the visual and performing arts:
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