Festival of European Cultures
The CES outreach dedicated to the European Union in Florida culminated with a Festival of European Cultures which took place on the University of Florida campus on September, 16, 2005 and included representatives from EU member states such as Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Spain, Italy, France, as well as the following EU accession countries: Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey, Croatia, and the Balkan countries of Serbia and Montenegro, and Bosnia - Herzegovina. Participating groups developed individual tables/booths with information, demonstrations, and examples of national art, music, food and culture. In addition there were several information booths on the European Union and information on related UF courses and programs including Study Abroad Programs in the region. Over 1,000 students and members of the general public visited the festival booths and the event received local media coverage including a story in the Gainesville Sun newspaper and a short piece on the evening television news. Overall response to the event was extremely positive and plans are currently underway to seek additional funding to allow the CES and interested groups to make the festival a biennial (or even annual) event.