The festival Libramont Europe was an
initiatory idea from a group of citizens from Libramont- Belgium-, who wished to celebrate
the boundaries mitigation in the European Union.
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Libramont is a young town in the Belgian
Walonia, whose undertaking people have attained their municipality to resort to multiple
international events.
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After several years of sacrificed labour,
the organisers of LIBRAMONT- EUROPE managed to contact some entities and citizen’s
organisations from every country in the Union, and those were ready to partake in a
celebration, which included, artistry, cultural, sportive, social, economical, and leisure
activities, in their agenda.
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Proof of their effort and their will of
creating the Europe of the People, was the possibility for every member of every
delegation, who wanted it, to be accommodated in family’s homes in the host town.
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Festival started on the 8th July
with 12 towns taking part: Libramont (Belgium); Frederiksund (Denmark); Lohmar (Germany);
Loutraki (Greece); Aranda De Duero (Spain); Thoursais (France); Athlone (Ireland); San
Vito (Italy); Schiifllange (Luxembourg); Haarlem/Blomendaal (Holland); Cantanede
(Portugal) Y Dunoon (Great Britain).
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The small Greek delegation coming from
Loutraki was completed with Belgian volunteers when they had to concur in sports
competitions. A giant figure representing every country preceded every delegation at the
opening parade. Music and songs performed by "La Tournerie" Choir, welcomed
delegations. Speeches, lift of flags, performing of national hymns and pigeons being set
free, fulfilled the opening ceremony.
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A cosy Town pavilion called "Halles
aux Foires, was the exceptional setting where stalls from every representing town were
placed. A front part alluding typical buildings from every country turned the "Halles
aux Foires" in a genuine European village where every night very interesting musical
performances took place.
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During the week sports and cultural
competitions were accomplished. Eight sports specialities were chosen: Basketball,
Football, Ping-Pong, Fishing, Volleyball, Petanque, Cycling, and Running. The last one
became e massive race down the streets.
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At the same time a cultural competition was
being held. Questions about Europe were asked and answered and teams from every country
took part in it.
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On Sunday the 12th of July, the
election of Miss Europe was performed. And also during that day, one of the most
outstanding activities in the festival took place, the "flowers parade".
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Thirteen wagons beautifully full of flowers, alluding
matters typical from every country, together with bands and folk groups, marched down the
town streets.
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Businesspersons coming from every
representing town carried out an Economical European Forum.
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The success of the experience was agreed.
French delegation received a letter from their Republic President, François Miterrand.
The Spanish Ambassador in Brussels received the Spanish team, the sports tournament
winner, and some other delegations visited the European Parliament in Brussels.
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The final brooch was a busy dinner attended
by participants, members of the reception families, organisers and sponsors. Folklore
groups from every representing town performed together the "Hymn of Joy" at the
closing ceremony.
Eventually Scottish team invited the other
delegations to celebrate the Festival in their own town, in 1993.
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