Europe

Ireland is Country of Honour at President Steinmeier’s Bürgerfest

The German Federal President's Citizens' Festival has seen Ireland as this year’s main protagonist

September 09th, 2022
Leonardo Vegli, News from Berlin
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Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, together with Elke Büdenbender, welcomed nearly 10,000 guests to his Bürgerfest in the park of Schloss Bellevue on 27 August. Ireland as European partner country and the Free State of Bavaria as partner region provided culinary and cultural highlights.

On Saturday 27 August everyone was invited to visit the Federal President's residence at Palace Open Day. Many partners supported the Citizens' Festival. They presented their activities, there was a programme on stage and many activities for young and old throughout the park. This year's motto was "Committed to making a difference!". In particular, the commitment of young people was the focus of the event.

Thanks to the partner Beautiful Ireland, visitors were able to experience the beauty of Ireland through culinary and cultural delights in the park at Schloss Bellevue. In addition to the world-famous Riverdance on the main stage, there was traditional Irish music and fairytales, as well as a demonstration of Gaelic sports curated by the Irish Embassy. On a virtual trip ‒ using VR glasses in the Discover Ireland trailer ‒ visitors could discover the enchanting and astounding beauty of Ireland. By pressing the start button on the Ireland competition, guests could win one of many great prizes, such as a trip to Ireland or a premium gas barbecue. The children’s area offered crafts, painting and face-painting, along with Irish storytelling. In the restaurant tent of Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, visitors enjoyed specialities from all over Ireland ‒ Irish beef sandwiches with tasty grilled Cheddar and delicious Irish relish, as well as potato cakes with freshly smoked salmon from the Irish Atlantic coast. In addition, the beer truck with Irish stout and other typical beers provided a classic Irish pub experience. And to round it all off, traditional live music could be heard all day long.

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News from Berlin