An inaugural festival celebrates Irish culture to mark an important event in Ireland's history. NY1's Clodagh McGowan filed the following report.
The sounds and spirit of Ireland are alive in Maspeth.
Dozens came together at the Knockdown Center Saturday for the first ever CualaNYC Festival. It's a two-month celebration of Irish culture, dance and music, with events happening throughout the city.
"Cuala was one of the ancient roads to Tara in Ireland, 2000 years ago the ancient high kings used to meet there, and for a lot of us it's the home of Irish culture, the bardic tradition and the harp. So we decided to use that as the title for the festival, CualaNYC, leading back to Tara," said Susan McKeown, the executive director of CualaNYC.
The festival also ties in with the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising in Dublin.
It's when more than a thousand Irish republicans rebelled to overthrow British rule in Ireland. While it was unsuccessful, many consider it the first step on the road to Irish independence from Great Britain.
"I'm learning more and more that there was a lot of the roots for the rising in the United States and in New York," said Michael Tubridy, who lives in Rockaway Beach.
Organizers say several of the 1916 Easter Rising leaders had strong ties to New York City. An exhibit spotlights James Conolly who was executed after the rising leading to protests here in New York.
"He believed in better rights for everybody and equality. And he fought for those rights here in New York City," said McKeown.
For many, CualaNYC is a moment to reflect back on their Irish roots and learn more about their history.
"It's important to remember where, especially as an Irish woman, where we came from and how we've progressed," said Cheryl Ann McCullagh, a Maspeth resident.
"Even though I come from this culture, I don't know that much about it," said Katia Beegan, a Jackson Heights resident.
Organizers hope to make CualaNYC an annual celebration.
For more information about upcoming events, visit CualaNYC Festival's web site.