Celebration of spring awakening and Martenitza children’s workshop at “Lantern” Centre, Dublin
To celebrate the awakening of spring, members of the Bulgarian community convened at “Lantern” Centre in Dublin on February 28 for a traditional annual get-together and a parallel Martenitza workshop for children.
Bulgaria’s ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Emil Yalnuzov, unveiled the event and extended congratulations to attending Bulgarian nationals and Irish guests in connection with the arrival of March 1st, traditionally held as the first day of spring in Bulgaria and celebrated in a most colourful and fascinating manner. Over 30 kids from “Alphabet” School and community residents’ families were kept busy at the special children’s workshop. Aided by teachers and parents, they fashioned different and many martenitza that were presented to Irish peers and friends. The children were greeted by Granny Marta who handed out a sack-full of small gifts and goodies. The event wound up with a dinner contributed by all attending Bulgarian participants.
Adhering to a long-standing tradition, the Bulgarian embassy in Dublin sent out, along with invitations to the reception for Bulgaria’s National Day March 3, over 100 spring greetings with an attached martenitza, to Irish statesmen, politicians and friends of Bulgaria.