Spell-binding band performances and delicious delicacies of various Francophonie member countries added colour to the Francophonie Festival held at the French Culture Centre on Sunday. Argentinean, French, Tunisian, Belgium and Swiss Embassies displayed various items at the stalls. Visitors enjoyed home-made delicacies especially prepared by the spouses of the ambassadors for the event. Pigged tents in the shape of kiosks by member countries spread over in an open air patio, in the premises of old French club, courtesy French Embassy. The French speaking countries were in full attendance to showcase their homemade cultural and traditional confectionaries, delicacies and promotional items to the public. “I have cooked empanadas, alfajores and pasta flora. There are meat empanadas with beef or chicken filling or simply vegetarian ones usually mixed with onions and cheese. They can be baked or fried,” informs Ana Walberg, wife of Argentinean ambassador, who cooked everything at home. Empanadas looked as well as tasted liked a samosa. Empanadas originally came from Spain to Argentina and now they are also served with dessert fillings in the likes of quince jam or leche with cinnamon or sugar sprinkled. Visitors literally pounced upon the Tunisian stall when it was opened for people. A variety of Tunisian delicacies and traditional Tunisian handicrafts attracted audience in large number. Tunisian Ambassador Adel Elarbi who himself was present at the stall to welcome guests, told media that Tunisia will host an international Francophonie summit next year, therefore the holding of this festival was also part of preparations for that mega event. The ambassador further said that Tunisia played a key role among the Francophonie countries adding all out arrangements shall be made to make the upcoming event a complete success. Ambassador Adel said that the purpose of this festival was to provide Pakistan with an opportunity of not only tasting difference cuisines but to give them first hand information about culture, lifestyle and social fabric of these countries. He said tradition of holding such events would continue even in the prospect and next time efforts shall be made to invite even more people to be part of these festivities. The ambassador also distributed awards among the winners of the quiz competition, in which audiences were asked to answer certain questions related to Francophonie countries. Belgium ambassador also spoke on the occasion and welcomed guests for attending the event in large number. It is pertinent to mention that the Francophonie organisation happens to be the biggest linguistic zones in the world. It’s member share more than just a common language. They also share the humanist values promoted by the French language. French language and its humanist values represent the two cornerstones on which the international organization of Francophonie is based. The International Organisation of La Francophonie was created in 1970 with the aim of embodying the active solidarity between its 88 member states and governments which together represent over one-third of the United Nations member states and account for a population of over 900 million people, including 300 French speaking. There’s no doubt that French is the most popular and spoken language after English in the world. In Pakistan too, Alliance Françoise in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi attracts a lot of Pakistani students of all ages to learn French language. French Ambassador Marc Barety also informed that Peshawar linguistic activities have been resumed as well and re-opening of the cultural centre in near future is also under consideration. Published in Daily Times, March 18th 2019.