Africa Day
Monday 15th May 2017: One of the many rich aspects of the cultural mix of the vibrant new Limerick will be marked from Monday next when the annual Africa Day celebrations commence.
The week long Irish Aid supported and Limerick City and County Council led programme culminating with celebrations on 28th May – is now in its twelfth year and is a celebration of the wonderful fusion of African cultures that have merged into and become an integral part of Limerick today.
Organisers of this year’s festivities are promising the biggest splash of African colour and conversation across Limerick yet and inviting one and all, African and otherwise, to join in a week long party as it gives voice to the new and welcoming Limerick.
Titled ‘Beyond Africa’, the gathering will be all about highlighting the positive experiences Africans are having living in their new country and in their new homes.
It has been organised by members of the African community, with the support of the local authority led Integration Working Group comprising of the following groups and organisations: Limerick Sports Partnership; An Garda Síochána; Ballyhoura Development Ltd.; Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board; Department of Social Protection; Doras Luimní; Health Service Executive; Jesuit Refugee Service Ireland; Limerick Filipino Community; Limerick Latvian Activities Centre; PAUL Partnership/Limerick Volunteer Centre; University of Limerick; West Limerick Resources; Mid-West Interfaith Network; Limerick Youth Service; Limerick City and County Council.
Free events will take place throughout the week, which kicks off on Monday next, 22nd May, with an official opening by Mayor of Limerick Cllr. Kieran O’Hanlon at City Hall. Events include a seminar on Africa Day itself, 25th May in the Strand Hotel with world café style discussions.
The programme will inevitably also embrace sport, with the Intercultural Soccerfest taking place on Wednesday 24th May and the Africa Soccer Cup taking place on Saturday 27th May, while the week finishes up on Sunday 28th May with a variety show in Limerick Milk Market. This free family fun event will see members of the public getting the opportunity to savour African cuisine, entertainment with African Drumming, Elikya, Limerick Gospel Choir and much more.
Africa Day is an initiative of the African Union, which celebrates African diversity and success and the cultural and economic potential of the continent.
Welcoming Africa Day 2017, Mayor of Limerick City and County, Cllr Kieran O’ Hanlon said:
“I look forward to welcoming people from all different backgrounds to join us in Limerick for the celebrations for Africa Day 2017 and I would like to encourage everyone in Limerick to participate in the many events, particularly the Family Fun Day. It is incumbent of us to get a better understanding of different ethnic groups across Limerick and this is a great opportunity. The activities that are taking place this year will no doubt help to promote a positive image of Africa and highlight the Irish Aid programme that is taking place. I wish everyone involved a successful and entertaining week.”
Raymond Muwaniri, a member of the organising committee and originally from Zimbabwe, said “This is a special week for us in many respects. It’s special because we get to celebrate our heritage through the tastes, sights, activity and entertainment that we brought from Africa. It’s special also because we are celebrating our own community here in Limerick. But it is also special because it is a statement about our new home, Limerick, a place that embraces who we are as a people. We are Limerick people, from Africa.”
Said Laura Ryan, Head of Communications and Marketing, Limerick City and County Council: “One of the great things about the renaissance underway in Limerick is that it is bringing everybody with it, young and old, people of different nationalities, religions, etc. It’s fully inclusive and our Africa Day programme is a great illustration of that. It’s a celebration of a Limerick demographic that is making an important and valued contribution to our city. We look forward to people from all different backgrounds joining us during Africa Day/Week and people from non-African backgrounds joining in.”
Admission to all Africa Day 2017 events is free of charge.
For further information please visit www.limerick.ie/africaday or www.africaday.ie
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