Africa Day to be celebrated in Waterford
Members of the Ethiopia community at Africa Day held last year at Waterford Cultural Quarter. Photo: Joe Evans
This year's Africa Day celebrations across the country will be marked with a series of nationwide events and the Waterford City events will take place on Saturday, May 30, in O'Connell Street.
Located in the heart of Waterford's Cultural Quarter, it's the ideal location for the event which always proves to be a vibrant, colourful affair.
The nationwide programme of events was announced by Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Neale Richmond TD.
A spokesperson for Waterford City & County Council said the day in Waterford will be marked by a range of African Irish cultural events in addition to family fun, fashion, art, film, music, dance and food events.
"There will be plenty to enjoy and experience for all ages, including live music and DJs, street food markets, Nore Valley Petting Farm, African craft markets, a pop-up library, Playful Streets, face-painting, Wobbly Circus, Southeast Craft Workshop, and much more," said the spokesperson.
In announcing the nationwide programme, Minister Richmond said: “Africa Day is an opportunity to promote the growing trade, political and cultural links between Ireland and countries across Africa. The potential for this relationship over the coming years is enormous."
"Trade between Ireland and countries across Africa stands at approximately €9 billion annually and is growing all the time," he said.
"Ireland’s agri-food exports to Africa alone rose by 9% last year and are now worth almost €1 billion annually," he added.
He said Africa Day marks the growing connections between Ireland and African countries and celebrates the impact people in Ireland have had across Africa as well as the huge contribution people with African heritage make to Ireland's cities, towns and villages.
"I’m delighted to see so many of our local authorities host events across the country to help build knowledge and celebrate our links and its potential in the years ahead," he said.
To find out more details about Africa Day taking place throughout the country go to www.africaday.ie
