Mayo County Council has announced its plans for Africa Day 2022, which will include a family concert, workshops, exhibitions and much more to celebrate the occasion.
The event takes place at Claremorris Town Hall Theatre on Sunday, June 5 from 12pm to 3pm. It is a free event, and all are welcome. The celebration aims to bring many Mayo communities together to celebrate with music, poetry, art and dance.
There will be a fashion show, head wear demonstrations, henna painting and make up demonstrations. A special exhibition called Crowned – Black Women’s Hair Stories will also be on view as well as a video telling the stories of black hair.
Performers will entertain with music, songs, drumming and dance and refreshments will be served. A song composed and recorded especially for Mayo Africa Day 2022 will also be heard for the first time.
Africa Day, which fell on Wednesday, May 25, celebrates the richness of African cultures and the contribution of people of African descent to Irish life. Africa Day celebrations are organised by Irish Aid at the Department of Foreign Affairs in partnership with African embassies in Ireland and local authorities around the country.
Celesta Khosa, coordinator of Mayo Africa Day 2022 said: "It’s so important to come together to celebrate one another’s culture and freedom and to share this day with all communities".
This year will see Ireland’s largest-ever Africa Day programme, with events being held nationwide. Africa Day 2022 will see the return of in-person events for the first time since 2019.
Minister for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy TD, said: "Ireland has been enriched in so many ways by the presence of a vibrant African community. Ireland’s arts, culture, business, community development, sport and so much more have been strengthened by people of African origin or descent. Africa Day is about recognising that contribution and celebrating the culture and potential of the continent as a whole.
"After two years of online events, this year will see the welcome return of in-person events nationwide. Irish Aid’s partnership with local authorities will bring the fun of Africa Day to communities around the country. I am delighted that Africa Day 2022 is set to be our biggest-ever Africa Day celebration." For more information visit www.africaday.ie
