Moate to celebrate Africa Day with vibrant weekend of events

Moate is preparing to mark Africa Day with a three-day community celebration.

Moate Walk and Talk Community Group will host a celebration of the rich diversity of African culture across Friday May 23 to Sunday May 25.

This is the third year the community group has organised this event - a celebration that gets bigger and better every year. Africa Day is a nationwide event which celebrates diversity, inclusion, friendship and solidarity.

Africa Day celebrations will be launched on Friday, May 23, with a lunchtime African presentation at 1.30pm in Moate Library, which is also the location for a very special art exhibition, 'Faces of Africa' which will be ongoing throughout the coming weeks.

On Friday evening, Tuar Ard Art Centre will host 'Echos of Africa' a free adult workshop in Art Box Studies from 6.30pm to 8pm. Pre-Booking is essential. Tuar Art Art Centre is also the location for African Movie Night, a screening of the movie 'Half of a Yellow Sun' at 8pm. The film is based on the novel by the same name by Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

A Children's African Art Workshop will be hosted by Art Box Studio in Tuar Ard on Saturday, May 25, from 2.30pm to 4pm. This workshop is suitable for children aged six years and over, and it sure to be hugely popular with local families. No booking required.

The main event is the Africa Day and Street Feast Picnic, which will take place on Sunday, May 25, from 1pm to 6pm.

On the day, Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park transformed into a riot of colour, fun and pageantry as Africa Day is celebrated with a very diverse programme of events including a spectacular Parade of Flags.

The local community will come together for intercultural conversations presenting an opportunity to learn about the many rich and diverse cultures of Africa as they walk in the beautiful surroundings of Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park.

A rich programme of activities follows over the afternoon. The afternoon programme includes “Sounds of Africa” featuring special guests the Ubuntu Voices Choir, dance performances, and a drumming workshop.

Other workshops taking place on Sunday afternoon will focus on Styles of Africa, where visitors can learn about African hairstyles, henna art, tribal face painting, and taste the many wonderful foods in our Taste of Africa tent. You can also learn more about the many integration projects running in the local community in Moate.

Events reflect Moate's community values of diversity, inclusion, friendship, respect, solidarity and unity. Moate Walk and Talk Community Group look forward to welcoming the community on the day.

For more information on any of the events or to get involved, contact us at 086 378 3483.