[Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect a correction. Monday’s edition of the Alligator misspelled Gail Keeler’s name. Keeler is a spokeswoman for UF’s Center of European Studies.]
Three women walked on stage wearing polka-dotted dresses and red flowers in their hair.
When the Spanish music began, they stamped their feet and clapped their hands, dancing a traditional Flamenco.
This dance was one tradition portrayed at Saturday’s Viva Europe! festival at Bo Diddley Community Plaza in downtown Gainesville. About 700 visitors tasted authentic food, listened to traditional music and touched the craftwork of about 20 European countries.
The crowd cheered after Mayor Craig Lowe officially named April 7 Gainesville’s Viva Europe Day.
Engin Ege, the 23-year-old vice president of UF’s Turkish Student Association, spoke with visitors as they examined the glass evil eyes, flower-patterned wooden spoons and thick, rough rugs with pockets at Turkey’s table.
Some stopped to try a piece of golden-colored baklava.
“If you like our baklava, you’ll love our country,” Ege said to one passerby.
Ege’s parents are originally from Turkey, and she visits relatives there every summer.
Turkey is not a violent country, she said. There’s no religious war.
“I want to change people’s perceptions because they’re negative,” she said. “But we rise above it.”
Gail Keeler, an outreach coordinator for UF’s Center of European Studies, said the organization planned the festival to teach the community about other cultures.
“We wanted something fun and educational to reach the general public,” she said. “I want people to know the diversity of cultures in Gainesville. Taste their food, learn and have fun.”
Keeler said the festival took a year to plan.
“I’m really happy with the turnout, and it seems like everyone is having a great time,” she said.
