A world of food at festival
Elizabeth, Korina & Deszanka with their Hungarian dishes at the International Food Flavours day at Macroom Food Festival last weekend
A LARGE crowd gathered to sample the culinary delights prepared by local people from 17 different nationalities at the ‘SECAD Celebrating Multiculturalism Through Food’ marquee in the Main Square, Macroom on Saturday evening.
A major part of the Macroom Food Festival, following months of preparation, the International Food Flavours group – under the guidance of local organiser Aurora Planells Bernat – served up a range of tasty international traditional treats representing the following countries: France, Spain, Poland, Hungary, Iraq, Syria, Somalia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, South Africa, Holland, Pakistan, Malaysia, Albania, Georgia and Turkey.
This event has grown in success since its inception six years ago and is now a social highlight of the Macroom Food Festival.
It provides a great opportunity to meet with local people with a common interest in food and to celebrate the diversity of the community in Macroom and surrounding areas.
This year, for the first time, the International Food Flavours group was part of the renowned festival ‘Taste Trail’ and the atmosphere was enhanced by local musicians who performed at this and other ‘Taste Trail’ events throughout the town.
SECAD’s ‘Celebrating Multiculturalism Through Food’ programme continues throughout Autumn 2019 and will explore the experiences and needs of foreign nationals who have come to live and work in the Macroom area. Those interested can contact Nuala on noconnell@secad. ie or 021-4613432.
SECAD has a number of training programmes starting in the coming months. For those who would benefit from time outdoors while exploring nature and the local community, Wild Work and SECAD offer a unique five-week programme ‘Stepping Stones’.
For those with an interest in food who want to explore how to make nutritious, healthy affordable meals, SECAD will be holding a free Healthy Eating programme in Macroom in the coming months. Contact Tara on 021 4613432 or tdoyle@secad.ie .
Meanwhile, a core part of SECAD’s work is support to individuals to start their own business and they will run a free short course this Autumn. Contact Donna on 021 4613432 or dcleary@ secad.ie.