Thousands attend Africa Day event in Dublin

RTÉ News​

18-05-2025

Thousands gathered to celebrate all things African at the Africa Day event, which took place at the Royal Hospital of Kilmainham in Dublin.
The event marked the start of week-long celebrations, which will be taking place across the country.
With more than 50 musical acts, dancers, performers, food stalls and an interactive cultural village showcasing African art and culture, the event offered a taste of the diverse continent.
The Africa Day event is to commemorate the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963, with Africa Day itself falling on 25 May every year.
It also allows the African diaspora in Ireland to celebrate the people and culture of African countries.
The event was organised by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Dublin City Council.
All 31 local authorities around the country are also hosting events to mark Africa Day from today until next weekend.
African Day Ambassador and Southside Moves Dance Teacher Lapree Lala said the event is important to celebrate in Ireland as it helps to foster connections.
"It's all about bringing people together from all parts of the world. Of course we're in Ireland, but I think one of the beauties is that we're celebrating Africa Day in a different part of the world, and it just shows unity and how people come together to collaborate, to respect and showcase different parts of your culture."
"Most of my students are Irish actually, and they were also here today to celebrate and perform as part of Southside Moves, it's been a beautiful thing to see," she said.
With many proud to showcase their heritage, traditional clothing brought colour, glamour, and style to the event.
Among those was Dr Gamagnahore from the Ivory Coast, who decided to bring a touch of royalty to the occasion.
"We are from the Ivory Coast and what we're wearing, it's a special traditional outfit representing the King and the Queen, from the southern part of the Ivory Coast."
"It's a way to preserve cultural identity, especially among the younger generation. We were born here, and it's really a joy for us to be here representing the Ivory Coast".
As Ireland's African community continues to grow, founder of Black and Irish Leon Diop said that occasions encourage integration and celebrate the relationship between Ireland and Africa.
"Africa Day is about a lot of things. It's about connecting African and Irish culture and the many different cultures that are within Africa.
"It's about celebration. It's about celebrating the many different people who are of African heritage and are now in Ireland and contributing to the vibrant community and society that we're building," he said.
"The best way that we're going to get to know one another, and understand one another, is if we share spaces and if we get into a space where we can enjoy and experience one another's cultures.
" I'm a mixed-race Irish man. Today is wonderful being able to celebrate my Irish heritage and celebrate my African heritage as well," Mr Diop added.