A festival celebrating African cultures and the positive impact of the African diaspora in Ireland is being held in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin to mark Africa Day, which takes place later this week.
The event is being organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Dublin City Council and is the first major Africa Day event in the city since 2018.
A cultural village is hosting community groups celebrating Irish-Zambian, Irish-Senagalese, Irish Ivorian, Irish-Algerian, Irish Tanzanian, Irish-Congolese, and Irish-Ugandan communities.
Musical performers include Galway rap artist Celaviedmai as well as the Gospel Discovery Choir.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy and Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs Seán Fleming also attended.
Minister Fleming said: “Irish people emigrated for generations… and we understand people come to Ireland as well. It’s important that we have good integration. We see it here today, and we’re seeing it in the towns and villages all over Ireland over many years.”
Mr. Fleming said those who came to Ireland from other countries “add to the culture of Ireland”.
Minister Seán Fleming said that Ireland is a better country having people from other countries here
“Ireland is a better country now having people from other countries coming in here over the last decades,” he added.
Over 30 local authorities around the country are also hosting events to mark Africa Day from today until next weekend.
The day itself falls on 25 May to commemorate the establishment of the African Union, which this year celebrates its 60th anniversary.
Africa is made up of 54 countries and around 2,000 languages are spoken on the continent.
Source: rte.ie