A real time portal is has opened between Waterford and the Czech city of Brno on Friday as part of the Winterval Christmas festival.
The Apple Market will be home to a dolmen-shaped portal which will connect to another portal in the centre of Brno. The gateway was officially opened at 3pm with the ambassador of the Czech Republic to Ireland, Pavel Vošalík, in attendance.
Seven-year-old Molly-Mai Hearne visiting New Street Gardens. Waterford in Ireland and Brno in Czechia have been officially recognised as being extra Christmassy destinations and now they have ‘twinned’ with a portal. Picture: Patrick Browne
Winterval festival organisers say the portal will “allow people of different cultures to meet above borders and to differences” and to “connect outside of their social circles and cultures”.
The portal will operate over the Christmas period.
Waterford has been crowned ‘European City of Christmas 2024’, while Brno in the Czech Republic is also celebrating its award as ‘Capital of Christmas 2024’.
The Mayor of Waterford City and County Jason Murphy with the ambassador of the Czech Republic to Ireland Pavel Vošalík enjoying the Winterval Festival as Waterford and Brno opened the portal. Picture: Patrick Browne
Both places received their respective awards from the Christmas Cities Network, which aims to promote varied Christmas traditions in Europe.
Meanwhile, new events at Ireland’s largest Christmas festival this year include an icy snow centre where children can throw snowballs, an igloo dome, a gigantic circus museum, and a huge monster truck and stunt show.
The Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation Christmas Market at Winterval spans from O’Connell Street through the spine of the city onto George’s Street, into John Robert’s Square and connecting to Arundel Square, offering a market of more than 80 vendors.
Waterford’s Winterval including last week’s Winterval Parade have marked the city out as an extra-Christmassy destination. Picture: Noel Browne
Winterval Festival directors John Grubb and Trevor Darmody say 2024 is a “milestone” year for Winterval and Waterford.
“It is the first year of the celebration of our European title and while that has certainly added some pressure on us at Winterval to deliver more, it was a task that we relished,” they said.
“We took a look at what was happening at other festivals globally but also at what our beautiful ancient city could offer and we have come up with a programme that brings the two together.
“There are some wonderful and quirky events, held in some of our incredible and unique historic spaces. This year’s programme is fun-filled and light-hearted, offering escapism and joy for all ages.”
Firm favourites are also back for the festival, including the Winterval ice rink and fairground and the Illuminates Lightshow.