Expat fair promises to show foreigners why Brno is a cool place to live
‘Giving birth in Brno’, ‘Five easy tips for passing the A2 Czech test’, and ‘How to leave your lover but stay in the Czech Republic’ – those are some of the kinds of workshops you can expect at the Brno Expat Fair on Saturday 22 April, along with a whole host of stands and exhibits showcasing what Czechia’s second-largest city has to offer international residents. I spoke to Marie Lungová of the Brno Expat Centre, which organises the event, about why it’s worth a visit.
“The highlight is that we are bringing everything that makes Brno international into one place and one day. So you can explore, discover and enjoy all the opportunities that a life in Brno offers – and also you can enjoy them with hundreds of other foreigners who live there. So it’s not only about the fair itself and the opportunities you see there, but also about meeting lots of people who are in the same situation as you.
“So that’s why we don’t only have the fair, but next to all the stands and exhibitors there are lots of places to just chill and relax. We have great international food, drinks and coffee, for you to just sit down and meet new friends.”
Is the fair only intended for expats living in Brno, or should people also travel from other places?
“It’s definitely not only for people living in Brno, but also for people who are thinking of maybe moving to Brno, or who are living in the Czech Republic in a place they already like but they just want to know a bit more about the Czech Republic itself. So definitely not limited only to Brno expats – you are welcome to come and see how life in Brno looks from anywhere.”
Could you perhaps mention a few of the specific stands and exhibits? From what I remember from last year there were something like three or four floors, so just to give people an idea of what kinds of things are there.
“Yes, you definitely remember correctly. We will fill up all four floors of the City Market Hall (tržnice in Czech) and the stands and exhibitors there will be either expat-friendly services, employers, or clubs and communities, like sports clubs. A lot of the arts institutions in Brno will also be there, and we also have schools and kindergartens, and community spaces like multicultural centres.”
Will there be anything different from last year? If someone attended last time, is there something more they can expect this year?
“Yes! The difference from last year is that we are once again doing everything a bit bigger. So not only are we going to fill up all four floors, but we are also spilling out. The food festival will actually happen outside in the old town hall courtyard, so there will be a bit more space inside the building and we are going to have a nice food festival outside of it.”
