ON the cue of a bagpipe, the sun was finally persuaded to don its dancing shoes at lunchtime yesterday and join in a reel with the Scottish troop of "enthusiastic amateurs" in Athlone's St Peter's Square. The Doon Reelers were jigging their sporrans to represent Britain at the Athlone Europe `96 Festival.
The Spanish conquistadors, who had been due to join their Scottish compadres, downed Iberian castanets in favour of Irish beer in the Palace Bar across the square and looked on dubiously. The hardier Scots piped and jigged to the whoops and odd sky ward glances of gathered Athlonians.
"It's a bit of craic, a bit different," mused Mick, a stalwart and longtime observer of the comings and goings in Athlone. "There's never been anything like it Athlone before, not in my time anyway."
Some 700 Europeans from 12 countries have invaded Athlone this week with the greatest of bonhomie to "promote and encourage sport and cultural activities, explained John Walshe, President of the Central European Committee.
The European People's Festival originated in Libramont in Belgium in 1991. That town contacted towns in each of the EU countries with a view to their participating in, and in turn hosting, an "ordinary people's" annual event to meet, mix and compete with their fellow Europeans". The festival has wound its way through Doon in Scotland and Frederikdsund in Denmark before coming to Athlone this year.
Each country has sent about 60 participants from the designated or regions. The cultural melange of events kicked off in earnest on Sunday night with a parade through the town and opening ceremony in St Peter's Square.
Today is Children's Day from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Pairc Chiaran, while on Thursday at 9.45 p.m. a "musical extravaganza" is promised at Athlone Quay and all the colours of Europe will light up the Shannon skies with a fireworks display.
All through the week a feast of flavours awaits all who cross the ramparts of Athlone Castle. Fianna Fail TD Mary O'Rourke yesterday opened the Euro village, a small town food and drink marketing event, where one can sample the taste delights of the participating countries.
At the Belgian stand yesterday Joul looked somewhat disgruntled to find himself peeling les spuds for les frites, although the combination of these with the Trappist beers proved a winning one with Mary and Charlene from Connecticut.
"This is fantastic. We've eaten our way through Europe in 30 minutes and have had a wonderful variety of beers and wines to wash it all down with."
Mario from Abruzzo in Italy was purveying salami and pasta while across the way Jean Claude, of La Vignee, representing the French jury, was delighted to warm passers by with his brioches.
While the jury might have been out on the weather, the general consensus seems to be that Irish culture is playing a blinder in winning over the delegates.
"I can't believe everyone is so friendly," said Erwin, a fine Dutch basketball player of Teutonic proportions. He was not so keen on the Guinness, however. "It tastes like cold coffee," he concluded.
Jean Claude has been to each of the other festivals and said that this is "definitely the best. The Irish are very colourful, very enthusiastic Europeans ... They are very enthusiastic about having a good time and joining in."
The Spanish were still not so sure about joining in. "Well they're not used to this weather, laughed Brian Logan as he brushed down his kilt for another wee jig. "But for us, it's just like home."
