The EuroVillage was an expansive funfair bringing Team Europe and flavours of European culture, food and music to Islamabad.
With thousands of attendees gathering for family entertainment, the PNCA, where the event was hosted, was packed, with barely breathing room in front of each of the stalls.
The Ambassador of the European Union, Dr Riina Kionka, said, "We celebrate the diverse cultures and identities that enrich Europe, forming the foundation of our shared values and our relations with the world, including Pakistan. Together, we are stronger, and our partnership in development, trade, and political engagement reflects this commitment."
The slogan of the event was "Stronger Together", in all its connotations. As always – this being the 6th edition of the EuroVillage in the capital – each member state of the EU showcased some distinctive attributes of their heritage or culture, sharing them with the public through fun games, quizzes, bite-sized samples of the cuisine and more.
The EuroVillage festival was co-organised by the diplomatic missions of the European Union alongside those of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, and Spain.
The Ambassador of France, Nicolas Galey, said, "Eurovillage is an event that celebrates Europe in its diversity. It is also a popular festival and a meeting with our Pakistani friends. The French stand is happy to share iconic products with Pakistanis, such as cheese or croissants! It is also an occasion to present the opportunities for learning the French language and studying in France, opportunities that we wish to make better known in Pakistan, with the aim of always bringing our populations closer together, our youth in particular!"
The Austrian Embassy shared the best of Austria's rich cultural heritage, culinary delights and innovative spirit. The Austrian pavilion created an unforgettable experience of Austrian hospitality as visitors were treated to an array of delicious Austrian delicacies, including the iconic Apfel Strudel, traditional Austrian cookies and Goulash, with a neighbouring stand creating Red Bull mocktails.
The German embassy stall also brought a taste of German traditional food to visitors, but the highlight was the Football Wall, a popular German game where participants aimed to score through two goal holes in the wall. This activity attracted many enthusiastic youngsters, who showcased their football skills with great excitement.
Poland went a different, and brilliant direction, highlighting the importance of social unity and role of women in science, business, culture, art and sports, by showing pictures of outstanding Polish women including, Maria Curie and Wanda Rutkiewicz, who was the first woman to climb K2 and a recipient of the Sitara-e Imtiaz.
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