Firhouse Community transformed into hub of multicultural activity

THE Firhouse Community Centre was transformed into a hub of multicultural activity on Sunday at an event organised by the Lithuanian Association of Ireland.

Over 1,000 people attended on the day, which featured performances from the Lithuanian, Polish, Georgian, Peruvian and Brazilian communities in Ireland.

There was also a vintage car display by the Jaguar Club Ireland, and a speech was delivered by the Lithuanian ambassador to Ireland, Marijus Gudynas.

Saggart resident Laima Prokofjevienė, who was part of the committee of six Lithuanians who organised the event, which was called Vasaruška, told The Echo about how successful it was.

“It was a very successful event,” she said. “It was a cultural event to show different cultures – that’s what it was all about.

“We decided to hold the event because Ireland is a very colourful country at the moment and the Lithuanian community is becoming more proactive.

“The atmosphere was really friendly, and the attendance was amazing.

“There were people from different cultures and the Irish people were so accepting, the staff in the community centre were so hospitable.”

The organisers received resoundingly positive feedback from the attendees, and it appeared to have strengthened the ties between people of many nationalities who live in Ireland.

“It introduced people to the food, customs and performances of people from other cultures, and it built friendships between communities,” added Laima.

The event was so successful that there are plans to host another similar event in the Firhouse Community Centre on September 29.