Gateway to Brno opens in Waterford City
Pictured at ‘The Gateway to Brno', which was officially opened during the Winterval Festival, are Laura Murphy and Chloe Walsh. Photo: Patrick Browne
There is great excitement and a little apprehension in Waterford City today as a Dolmen-shaped portal to Brno was opened.
The live stream connects Waterford City to Brno in the Czech Republic and was officially opened on Friday.
The Waterford News & Star spoke to people at and around the launch.
Most of those gathered were impressed, while others didn’t know what it was.
Thinking about the Gateway to New York in Dublin, Kieran said it looked like fun but perhaps also trouble.
“I think it's good craic. If it is staying open, I’m excited to see how the drunk people react coming out of the pub at 2am. It might be quite funny.
“But it is good craic. Lots of kids are going to love it, and a lot of families,” said Kieran.
Jessica who was at the launch taking pictures said she thought it was really cool.
“It’s like the one in Dublin and you get to communicate with people really far away. I was up there waving at people, and people were waving at me and doing heart hands and things like that. I think it’s cool to have in Waterford of all places.”
The launch was not well attended in terms of numbers, but those who did were very enthusiastic, taking selfies and waving at those gathered in Brno.
Theresa-Anne said it was a lovely idea.
“I think it is so exciting and so amazing to link the City of Christmas here in Waterford to the Capital of Christmas in Brno. You know we share so many of the traditions that we celebrate at Christmas as well. So, to be connected and share them together is really lovely.”
Tina said she thinks it is an “absolutely wonderful initiative.”
“I think it is great that we can see them visually, to see their Christmas tree and wave to them in Brno. I think it’s a super idea," said Tina.
The Gateway to Brno was officially opened by the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Ireland Pavel Vošalík and the Irish Ambassador of the Czech Republic, Alan Gibbons.
Here in the city, Mayor of Waterford Cllr Jason Murphy told those gathered for the launch: “The designation of Waterford as a European City of Christmas opened up new opportunities to grow the festival and connect with our European counterparts in the Czech Republic, who are also celebrating this year, their designation as the European Capital,” said Mayor Murphy.
