Colour and culture abound at Letterkenny Central Library Europe Day festivities

Letterkenny Central Library celebrated Europe Day with an international culinary array from Spain, France, Ukraine, Poland, Ireland and the Netherlands.

The free event gave visitors a chance to try traditional food and learn about other European nations.

The staff of the Letterkenny Central Library and local community groups displayed tables with national dishes and facts from each country.

The event was organised by Kevin McGaul, Manager of Europe Direct Letterkenny. It was attended by the Cathaoirleach of Letterkenny Milford Municipal District, Cllr Gerry McMonagle.

Cllr Gerry McMonagle with Kevin McGaul and Żaneta Grześkowiak

Cllr McMonagle said: “This is a fantastic event to showcase the broad range of cultures throughout the EU. Europe Direct being based here at the Central Library is a great way to promote the positive aspects of EU membership. Having so many tables from different countries is a nice way for people to enjoy the lovely food and learn some new phrases along the way.”

Displays

Ineke Abbas was born in the Netherlands and has been living in Ireland for 26 years. She put together the Dutch display, which included poffertjes, a type of small pancake which is a popular street food in the Netherlands.

Ineke Abbas

The Spanish display offered dishes from different regions across Spain, including the Tarta de Santiago, which has origins in the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail.

An array of intricate artwork and craft accompanied the Ukrainian display, which was put together by members of the local Ukrainian community.

Joe Kelly and Richard Ryan ran the Irish table, which included books on historical figures such as James Connolly and Padraig Pearse, Irish folklore, and of course Tayto crisps!

Denzil Browne, who has connections to France through his wife, showcased a variety of French cheeses as well as French films and magazines.

Denzil Browne at the French table

Żaneta Grześkowiak ran the Polish table. She explained that the meats on display were smoked using traditional Polish methods.

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Europe Day

Europe Day is celebrated each year on May 9 and it marks peace and unity in Europe.

The date marks the anniversary of the 'Schuman declaration', a historic proposal made by Robert Schuman, French Foreign Minister, in 1950 that laid out the foundation of European cooperation. Schuman's proposal is considered to be the beginning of what is now the European Union. 

In 2025, Europe Day is a special occasion, as it celebrates 75 years since the Schuman declaration.