Mass Games
The Grand Mass Gymnastics and Artistic Performance Arirang are held in the Rungrado May Day Stadium in Pyongyang, North Korea. The gymnastics and artistic festival, known as mass game, begins in early August and ends around September 10th. According to the DPRK publication “Arirang” this particular mass games celebrates the story of North Korea “The extravaganza unfolds an epic story of how the Arirang nation of Korea, a country of morning calm, in the Orient put an end to the history of distress and rose as a dignified nation with the song Arirang”. Arirang is a Korean folk story about a young couple being torn apart by an evil landlord and hence represents the division of Korea.
Mass games or mass gymnastics are a form of performing arts or gymnastics in which large numbers of performers take part in a highly regimented performance that emphasizes group dynamics rather than individual prowess.
Mass Games can basically be described as a synchronized socialist-realist spectacular, featuring over 100,000 participants in a 90-minute display of gymnastics, dance, acrobatics, and dramatic performance, accompanied by music and other effects, all wrapped in a highly politicized package.
Where: Pyongyang
When: August
