Embassies
Irish Aid was once again delighted to work with the African Embassies in Ireland on the flagship Africa Day events. Seven African countries have embassies in Ireland: Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa.
In the Embassies section at Africa Day Limerick, visitors were able to experience the food, culture, arts and crafts of some of these African countries and meet representatives from participating embassies. To view photos from the participating Embassies, click here.
As an Irish Aid partner country, Ethiopia has strong links with Ireland and the Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia showcased the country’s cultural diversity and tourist attractions, displaying photographs, posters, cultural costumes, antiques, crafts and food samples at Africa Day Limerick.
The Kenya Embassy, meanwhile, encouraged visitors to learn more about Kenya’s diverse culture, and displayed traditional artefacts alongside information on Kenya’s growing tourism industry.
Lesotho – another Irish Aid partner country – also has strong links with Ireland. At Africa Day Limerick, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Lesotho displayed traditional cultural items, such as the mokorotlo hat, which is the national emblem of Lesotho. Hand-crafted shawls made from goats’ wool; jewellery; pottery, and pictures were also on display, along with small brooms used by the Basotho people every day in their homes. In addition, the Embassy had samples of typical snacks from Lesotho, including tasty dried fruits known as ‘mangangajane’ and a ginger drink called ‘khemere’.
Free food samples were also available from the Embassy of Nigeria: visitors were able to sample such traditional West African dishes as akara (black-eyed pea fritters), moin moin (steamed bean pudding), dodo (fried plantains), chin chin (a fried snack made of flour and eggs) and jollof rice. Embassy representatives were dressed in traditional costumes, representing the various Nigerian cultures, while books written by Nigerian authors were also displayed.
The South African Embassy’s input at Africa Day Limerick focused on the 2010 World Cup, taking place in South Africa this summer. The Embassy’s stand was dressed with official FIFA 2010 World Cup merchandise, alongside traditional South African fans’ merchandise. Arts and crafts from South Africa were also on display, alongside information on tourist destinations, which visitors were able to take home.