The Traidphicnic festival, taking place in An Spidéal this weekend, will feature a broad range of cultural events in the village along with a distinctive Volvo twist — the Team Sanya Cultural Performance Group will participate in the official opening and cultural exchange day tomorrow (Friday ).
The event will see the Sanya group perform traditional Chinese bamboo dances, and they in turn can enjoy a display of sean nós dancing from local performers.
It was a school reunion which led to an invitation being extended to the Sanya group. Bridget Barker, chairperson of the Traidphicnic committee, and George Blake, senior consultant and GM for global promotion of Team Sanya, met up for a school reunion in the UK last year through Facebook. As a result of this meeting, Team Sanya Cultural Performance Group were granted special permission to attend and be part of the official opening of the Traidphicnic, and to have a fun filled day with the Traidphicnic team and festival goers on Friday.
Committee member Rosaleen Ní Shúilleabháin is putting together a programme for the day which will include a quick, fun, Irish lesson with Caitríona Ní Chonaola, and a taster of traditional sean nós dancing with Marian Ní Chonghaile, among other activities.
George Blake and Xeng Bing of the Sanya Tourism Association visited An Spidéal this week to finalise the arrangements.
The Traidphicnic will take place on Friday and Saturday, featuring events for people of all ages to celebrate the traditional arts in the west including musical performances and workshops, puppet shows, drumming and animation workshops, poetry, storytelling, and fiddle making.
For more information visit www.traid phicnic.com or www.facebook.com/traid phicnic
