A newly created annual festival which aims to celebrate European cultures was a success at Dublin’s RDS last weekend.
The event was held under the banner of St Casimir’s Fair, the Lithuanian festival of folk art, craft and food that dates back to the beginning of the 17th century.
Speaking to Metro Éireann at the start of the two-day festival, Edita Nyork – founder and owner of Five Star Fun, which organised the event in association with Lindens Bakery – said she was delighted with the response of the public.
“It is amazing. The venue is full and there are many, many people here. It’s going so well and we don’t have enough space for people who want to come.”
According to Nyork, guests who attended the event came from many different backgrounds, including many Irish people curious about eastern European cultures.
Two major Lithuanian TV stations were on hand to cover the event, which was also attended by Lithuania’s Minister for Agriculture.
The RDS event also offered those looking for social or business contacts an opportunity to meet and network.
Nyork added that she was already looking forward to planning a bigger event next year.
This is the second time the festival has been held, the first targeting mainly Ireland’s Lithuanian community in Blachardstown last year.
Apart from the arts and crafts on show, the fair featured live performances, a photo exhibition from different European countries and plenty of attractions for children.
The organisers said €1 from every €6 entry ticket sold would go to the Children’s Medical Foundation at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin.
