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Africa Day in Wicklow celebrates our vibrant cultural ties

Africa Day in Wicklow celebrates our vibrant cultural ties

Wicklow celebrated Africa Day in style on a glorious day in Burnaby Park, Greystones, on Saturday, May 17. Under the warm sun, it was a vibrant celebration of African culture, music, dance, community and of course, some great food.
DJ Spaqz was on the decks to deliver the beats, while live band Sli na Croi kept things lively all day. The event was free and celebrated African culture, our growing links across the continent, as well as the positive impact of the African diaspora in Wicklow.
Remarking on the success, Anne Waithira Burke, from the African Irish Society of Wicklow, said: 'I am always proud and delighted to organize this event as we get to share our culture, food, music and more. It is an honour. This year saw many attend the event from all walks of life and thank God the weather was great as well. Here's to many more.'
The event has grown year after year and continues to build bridges between cultures, fostering unity and understanding in the local community.

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See photos as Arklow celebrates its cultural diversity at Africa Day festivities
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Beginning with an opening speech from Cllr Peir Leonard, followed by a brief history of Africa Day and a prayer by Pastor Solomon Aroboto, the joyous day featured a variety of activities for all to enjoy, from the amazing Tony Byrne and his drum voices, to Fionn Ó Conchúir, the host with the most as Gaeilge, the No Wahala Dance Crew and more. Delighted to have hosted what was the second Africa Day celebration held in Arklow, following on from an indoor event in 2019, an organiser thanked everyone in attendance and those who contributed to the hugely successful day. 'We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who contributed, came and made the day great,' they said. 'A special thanks to Cllr Peir Leonard for her support throughout, Pastor Solomon for the opening speech and presentation of the history of Africa Day and Arklow Municipal District for the space. 'Thanks to An Garda Síochána for making sure everything went smoothly and enjoyable for all, the management of the Royal Hotel for the extra support and space provided and all participants who represented their countries and traditions and engaged with the public. 'A big thanks to Ciste Spreagtha for the funding provided, Rachel of the Colour Club for face painting the young ones and, last but not least, the organising committee for making this great day happen.'

‘Africa Day' celebrated in Sligo with music, dance, crafts and good food
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Sligo Champion There was plenty of music, dance and food as Africa Day was celebrated at The Model on Sunday of last where Sligo Global Kitchen, Aremoja Women's Group, and the African communities in Sligo. Highlight was the choral performance in response to Julianknxx's exhibition (currently on display at The Model) with acclaimed singer Thabo and members of the African community of Sligo, which was formed especially for Africa Day 2025.

Africa Day to be celebrated with events across the country
Africa Day to be celebrated with events across the country

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Africa Day to be celebrated with events across the country

Events will be held across the country this weekend as part of celebrations of this year's Africa Day. Observed annually on 25 May, the day marks the founding of the African Union in 1963 and celebrates unity across the continent. In Ireland, it has become an important occasion to recognise and honour the African community living in the country. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is partnering with all 31 local authorities to host Africa Day events in every county across Ireland. "It's really important to celebrate Africa Day because Ireland has a strong and evolving relationship with Africa," said Eoghan Rice of the Department of Foreign Affairs. "From decades of positive work through Irish Aid to expanding trade and deepening cultural links, the relationship continues to grow." One of the largest gatherings took place in Dublin last Sunday, where an estimated 12,000 people came together at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham to mark the occasion. Many attendees arrived dressed in cultural attire and enjoyed performances by over 40 musical acts. "We gather here every year and there is an opportunity to showcase our talent, showcase our culture, and show what we can do," said Vanessa Mallet from the Discovery Gospel Choir. "People in Ireland might not have a huge depth of understanding about Africa… this is an opportunity for people to come along and learn a little bit about African cultures, about African history, and about the involvement of African communities in Ireland. "It's a chance for us all to learn a little more about the Ireland-Africa relationship," she said. For many African community organisations in Ireland, the event is also a valued opportunity to celebrate heritage and identity. Among those organisations present were the Liberian Association in Ireland. Join us from the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, where over 10,000 people gathered to celebrate African-Irish culture as part of the Africa Day Dublin festivities on #RTENationwide Friday 23rd May @RTEOne at 7pm & RTE1+1 at 8pm @ZainabBoladale @rhkopw @AfricaDay @rte RT — RTÉ Nationwide (@RTENationwide) May 22, 2025 Liberian-born Morris McCarthy shared his joy in presenting "the rhythms and stories of Liberia" with attendees. "It's amazing to see people of all backgrounds enjoying our music and dance," he said. The festival also became a space of personal reflection and pride for many. Teju Olamide, one of the many attendees, shared what the day meant to him: "I'm happy about being African, you know, because I was raised in Ireland all my life. "But at the end of the day, my roots go back to Africa and it's nice to be able to experience both in this one day." Alongside music and dance, the event featured craft stalls and food trucks offering flavours from across the continent. Wiseman Mangaliso was at the event with his South African Braai truck, serving up South African-themed dishes which, he says, went down a treat. "It has really taken off well, because the flavours are brilliant," said Mr Wiseman.

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