Mullingar Lithuanian Community Family Fun Day
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Egle Darcy from Angel’s Gymnastics and Dance Theatre performing on the day.Image 2 of 17
Ausra Vekrikiene, from the Ireland’s Lithuanians Care organisation, presents a letter of thanks to chairperson of the Mullingar Lithuanian Community Comittee, Daiva Kasikauskiene.Image 3 of 17
Egle Darcy perfoming.Image 4 of 17
The Suktinis Folk Dance Group put on a good show.Image 5 of 17
Jolanta Zeleniakiene, head of the girls ensemble, on stage at the Mullingar Lithuanian Community Family Fun Day.Image 6 of 17
Singer Jonas Kriauklys, from Mullingar.Image 7 of 17
Laima Prokofjeviene, host of the event, speaks to Nora Cloherty Gda, Mullingar Garda Station.Image 8 of 17
The crowds turned out in beautiful sunshine for the Mullingar Lithuanian Community Family Fun Day.Image 9 of 17
Marijus Gudynas, Lithuanian Ambassador in Ireland, and Daiva Kasikauskiene, Mullingar Lithuanian Community Chairperson.Image 10 of 17
All the colour from the day.Image 11 of 17
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Nadja Postemska, Ukrainian poet from Mullingar.Image 16 of 17
Nerida and Edilija, Dionysus School of Dance, Mullingar.Image 17 of 17
Rainundas Ruseckas trying to hide from the sun.The annual family festival, ‘Hello, Summer!’ organised by volunteers of the Mullingar Lithuanian Community, led by the chairperson Daiva Kasikauskiene, took place for the fifth year recently, and they encourage Lithuanians not only from Mullingar, but also from the surrounding areas, to attend.
The event represents Lithuanian culture, unique arts and craft works, and traditional Lithuanian music, as well as performances from other nations, and the event is dedicated to World Children’s Day.
Attendance is growing year on year, and this year 700 people arrived at Mullingar Rugby Club, where the event was held.
People travelled from Dublin, Galway, and Northern Ireland, and not only Lithuanians, but Irish, Ukrainians, Latvians and other nationalities.
"Lots of people from northern and eastern Europe live across Ireland. They are missing the cultural aspects of their countries, communication and chatting with their native language speakers," said Daiva. "On the day, people got to enjoy some traditional food, and a fun get together with people from all different walks of life. It’s the perfect time to get closer and learn about Lithuanian ethnic aspects," she said.
"We have to say thank you to everyone who helped make the event happen, including Westmeath County Council, PPN, Lituanica LTD, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, and Globali Lietuva - Global Lithuania."
Photos by Mantas Bruzas and Rytis Zdanavicius.