Olomouc – The Olomouc people tried the weight of a refugee suitcase, settled in a tin can, tasted Haitian specialties and much more. On Wednesday 26th June, Caritas also welcomed them to the Zaparkuj fest.

Association Zaparkuj revives public space in Olomouc and its surroundings. Since June, organizes concerts, screenings and other cultural program in parks and gardens. In an attractive space on the parking lot near Konvikt, visitors also met Caritas. So they looked into developing countries, put themselves in the stories of the people there and talked to people who came to help them in difficult conditions. “We have a couple of interactive installations, one about the migration issue. It is a too heavy suitcase that people can try to pick up,” says Šárka Zápotocká from Caritas Czech Republic and shows a colorful red suitcase to which red Caritas balloons are tied. It floats lightly in the air. For Caritas makes it easier for some in need.

People also tried spraying and various workshops. They listened to the concert of singer-songwriter Vadim Windy and watched the cult film Big Lebowski.

The bar and bistro Konvikt belonged to Haiti. People chatted with humanitarian worker Klara Löffelmann, who goes to the Archdiocesan Charity Olomouc every year on the field for a monthly mission. There was a question from the audience about the earthquake, which, together with Klára, was approached by Martin Zamazal. He helped with Caritas in Haiti after the devastating earthquake in 2010. The discussion was livened up by photo and video projections and miniatures of Haitian specialties. There were also canapes of mango and pineapple, banana and peanut butter, avocado spread, papaya and other goodies.

Karolína Opatřilová, Archdiocesan Caritas Olomouc