Kildare celebrates Africa Day this month
Dancer, Lapree Lala, at the launch of Africa Day
MINISTER of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, has launched the nationwide programme of events for Africa Day 2025, with a range of events running in Kildare from May 17 to 24.
Africa Day is the annual worldwide celebration of the people and cultures of the African continent.
This year, all 31 Local Authorities across Ireland will host various cultural, artistic, and family-friendly events.
These will include contemporary African Irish culture, as well as family fun days, fashion, art, film, music, dance, and food events, which will take place in towns and cities across Ireland.
As part of Africa Day Kildare, events such as Sallins Africa Day festival on the 17th of May from 1pm to 5pm in Sallins Castlefen Community Centre, Kilcock Africa Day festival on the 24th of May, from 12pm to 6pm in Kilcock Community Centre, and Monasterevin Africa Day festival on the 24th of May, from 1pm to 4pm on Monasterevin Community Centre, will take place.
Each event will include a family fun day with music, dance and food.
Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, said: “I am honoured to help launch this fantastic programme of events that celebrates the rich cultures of the African continent. Ireland has growing trade, political and cultural links across the continent of Africa. There is also a large Irish African community, who are making significant contributions to our society and economy in towns and villages throughout Ireland.”
“This day is an opportunity to promote those links and learn more about African cultures. I am delighted that local authorities across Ireland will be taking part in Africa Day 2025 and look forward to vibrant celebrations nationwide.”
Minister Richmond was joined at the launch by representatives of the African diaspora community in Ireland, including dancer Lapree Lala, designer Florence Olufemi-Ojo, Presenter of the popular Black and Irish Podcast Leon Diop, and Michael Chanda from the Discovery Gospel Choir at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.
