CHORIZO, POTATO and onion casserole, Greek salad, potato salad, cous cous, humus, burgers, Quality Street chocolates, and, of course, cocktail sausages – just the stuff of a summer street party.
Such was the fare on offer at the Reuben Street “Street Feast” in Dublin’s Rialto yesterday, one of more than 30 such gatherings of neighbours and friends across the State organised to celebrate “community”.
About 30 people from three streets of red-brick terrace houses gathered for the occasion. They sat around a table of delicious fresh food made by, and for, each other.
Darren Carney, there with his partner and two young children, said: “It gets everyone together, meeting new people; it doesn’t happen enough.”
The feasts, held in such places as Rosscahill, Co Galway; Santry Community Garden, Dublin; Glenealy, Co Wicklow; Geashill, Co Offaly; Rathmines, Dublin; and Patrick Street, Cork, were not any old shindigs. They were, said the Facebook page set up to spread the idea, “a not-for-profit, all-for-fun, do-it-yourself celebration”.
Yesterday’s was the second series of such feasts in the Republic, and it is hoped the concept will grow.
Clare Mulvany, one the national organisers and host of the Reuben Street Feast, became involved after her home was broken into some months ago.
“I’ve been living here a few years and I realised I didn’t really know anyone around me. I was even a bit fearful of my community. Instead of letting the fear get to me I’d organise this to get to know my community.
“So I asked a few neighbours and . . . people were really enthusiastic. A lot of the people here have never met each other before. When people come together it makes communities happier, safer; friendships and support networks are formed and local businesses do better.”
In Charleville Close in Rathmines a smaller gathering was enjoying the intermittent sunshine at a feast organised by Ciara O’Connor.
“It’s wonderful,” said Pat McLoughlin. “I find we never have time to get to know the people living next to us anymore.”
There will be a further Street Feast at the Electric Picnic on Sunday at 5.30pm in the Global Green area at the concert venue.
