Europe Day commemorates the Schuman Declaration of 9 May 1950 that led to foundation of the European Coal and Steel Community in 1952, a predecessor of today’s European Union. After the successful last year Euro Village held in Lok Virsa, the EU delegation has decided to repeat the event to celebrate Europe Day in Pakistan while adding to it some new flavours.

Each of the EU Member States which have their Embassies in Pakistan, had an own stand at the Euro Village where it presented its own country, traditions, and particularly its culture, for the main topic of this Euro Village was “European Cultural Heritage”. Promotional videos of individual Member States were screened and famous songs played. In the evening, the guests were addressed from a stage by the EU Ambassador and ambassadors of individual EU Member States and entertained by an illusionist and musicians from some of the European countries.

Besides contributing with its videos and songs to the common playlist, the Czech Republic has presented itself also at its stand with promotional prospects, home-made apply strudel and several interactive activities prepared for the guests. The visitors of the Czech stand could verify their knowledge of the Czech Republic (and their guessing abilities) in a quiz; for small children, colouring pictures with famous Czech fairy-tale cartoon characters were prepared. Everyone could also try to score a goal to the hockey net with a goalie in Czech ice-hockey dress. The cut-out of the famous cartoon character of Little Mole was also very popular with many guests taking a selfie with it. The Marriott dining corner was offering also the Czech fried cheese.

The whole event was declared a great success. Not only the number of visitors, but also the subsequent articles in newspapers and especially the overall mood in the Euro Village were a clear proof of it.