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06 Sept 2025

Africa Day set to light up Leitrim with colour, culture and celebration

Ballinamore to host a day of music, food and culture

Africa Day set to light up Leitrim with colour, culture and celebration

Leitrim is getting ready to celebrate the vibrant cultures of Africa this May, as Africa Day 2024 brings a burst of music, flavour and creativity to Ballinamore.

The local event will take place on Saturday, 25th May, from 11:00am to 5:00pm at The Junction in Ballinamore, and promises to be a joyful, family-friendly celebration of African culture and community spirit.

Organised in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Leitrim County Council, the day will feature live music and dancing, mouth-watering African cuisine, and a series of hands-on cultural workshops. Attendees can try their hand at hair braiding, take part in arts and crafts sessions, and enjoy interactive music workshops designed to engage all ages.

Africa Day is held annually to mark the founding of the African Union and to honour the contribution of African communities in Ireland. This year’s nationwide launch took place at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin, where Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, joined artists, designers, and performers to kick off the 2024 celebrations.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Richmond highlighted the importance of the day, calling it an opportunity to celebrate diversity, deepen cultural understanding, and recognise the growing connections between Ireland and the African continent. He also acknowledged the incredible contributions made by African-Irish communities in towns and villages across the country, including here in Leitrim.

All 31 local authorities are taking part in this year’s celebrations, but Ballinamore’s event is set to be one of the most engaging and inclusive in the region—bringing people together through music, storytelling, creativity, and connection.

Whether you're a longtime resident or new to the area, this is your chance to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of Africa right here in the heart of Leitrim. Come for the food, stay for the music—and leave with new memories and a deeper appreciation for the cultures that make up modern Ireland.

READ MORE - Leitrim footballer Clare Owens with Irish guide dogs

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