Repeat he-art attack

Belturbet residents once again woke up this morning on Valentine’s Day, February 14, to find their town festooned in felt material hearts.

Trees, railings, bushes and door handles all had hearts attached to them, tied with ribbons, a gesture carried out under the cover of darkness.

It last happened in 2021 just as the country was emerging from lockdown. The actions subsequently went viral on social media after pictures were widely shared to overwhelming positive reaction.

The task was repeated in 2022 albeit on a much smaller scale.

The hearts are the brainchild of Ukrainian artist Viktoria Frolova, who spent several hours overnight with husband Olegs, pinning them to pillars and posts and everywhere in-between.

Speaking to the Celt this week, Olegs explains that it is an ode to her love of the town that has taken her and her family in.

“We’re very happy here,” he says. “There was a bit of wind last night which made it difficult. We were cutting, cutting, cutting these small hearts. To see the joy it brings people is really nice.”