With no central or local government programmes to mark the European Commission's Year of Intercultural Dialogue for 2008 the Mummers Foundation set about meeting the gap for County Fermanagh.

With mumming linkages having been made with the Strandja region of South East Bulgaria that borders Turkey it was appropriate to invite over the region's fire dancers who are famous throughout all of Bulgaria.

The cultural connection was relevant in that both the Aughakillymaude Mummers and the Bulgarian mummers perform ancient, obscure rituals with bonfires held on June 21st or June 23rd to mark the Mid Summer Solstice.

Last week, over came a 13 squad of Bulgarians to observe the Acklamaders "do their thing" on the summit of Knockninny on the Friday night, the eve of the 21st. Whatever the aim of rituals the mummers performed up on Knockninny acknowledging the longest day of the year and the strength of the sun being at its highest point it certainly worked as the sun was on the back of Fermanagh's footballers the next day in Omagh. Observers from Germany, Latin America and countless Bulgarian residents headed up the rock at dusk and heard the roar that "went up" when the mummers asked for strength for the Fermanagh footballing warrior's strength in their battle against Derry the following evening.

After the mountain top bonfire proceedings it was then the turn of the Strandja Bulgarians to walk the flaming embers of burnt oak that seemingly connects the fire dancers with the other world to gain knowledge, advice and the all important vision for the future. Hundreds of locals and Bulgarian visitors gathered around in hush in front of the Mummers Centre as the 60 year old fire dancer enthralled the International gathering of hundreds by walking through the glowing embers to the backdrop of the beating drum. All this, was following by the dancing of the horo where everyone joyfully joined in this circle of life dance around the fire. What a sight overlooking Upper Lough Erne.

Earlier that day the Bulgarian visitors put real meaning into their first Fermanagh visit by performing traditional dancing and music at the Bite Sandwich group factory in Enniskillen where up to 50 Bulgarian residents work. This was dialogue and international networking at its very best. A bond and connection has now been made between Bulgaria and Fermanagh at a cultural level where it involves real people not just civic leaders and official delegations.

Throughout the weekend the Strandja people performed their firedancing routines up in the North Leitrim area of Glangevlin where mid summer bonfires have survived unbroken and a courtesy visit was made to Derrylin's Senior citizens at the Clachan Court sheltered accommodation complex. Aside from this, a civic reception was held in the Townhall but more importantly the full Bulgarian troupe went to the Fermanagh Derry football match where, in full costume the Bulgarians beat their large drum to "drum up" the noise level of the Fermanaghs supporters.

For Jim Ledwith, organiser of the Mummers Foundations International programmes, the visit was an outstanding success on a human level. He said, "Two regions at the opposite ends of Europe have been connected mainly throughout their common interest in bonfire rituals and masking. The twinning process will now begin in earnest," he said.