Northern Ireland

Mela Carnival parade in Belfast enjoyed by thousands

More than 20 different cultural groups and from neighbourhoods across the city took part

Belfast's diversity is celebrated with the launch of the Belfast Mela 2024. Making it's way from writers square to Belfast City Hall. Pictutres Mark Marlow
Belfast's diversity is celebrated with the launch of the Belfast Mela 2024. Making it's way from writers square to Belfast City Hall. Pictutres Mark Marlow (" ")
By Caoimhe Quinn McCullough

Thousands of people gathered to enjoy the annual Mela Carnival Parade in Belfast City centre.

The largest multi cultural event celebrating diversity in the north kicked off on Saturday with the annual parade.

Belfast's diversity is celebrated with the launch of the Belfast Mela 2024. Making it's way from writers square to Belfast City Hall. Pictutres Mark Marlow
Belfast's diversity is celebrated with the launch of Belfast Mela 2024. Pictutres Mark Marlow (" ")

More than 800 participants representing more than 20 different cultural groups and from neighbourhoods across the city took part in this years Mela Carnival Parade.

Belfast city centre was brought to life with pulsating world music and dance and amazing sculptures.

A series of Mela Plus events will follow across the city this week, leading up to the annual Mela Day extravaganza in Botanic Gardens on Sunday August 25.

The nine-day event delivers an amazing line-up of global music, dance, art, theatre, wellbeing and food.

Belfast's diversity is celebrated with the launch of the Belfast Mela 2024. Making it's way from writers square to Belfast City Hall. Pictutres Mark Marlow
Around 800 people participated in the annual Mela Parade in Belfast on Saturday. Pictutres Mark Marlow (" ")

Dr. Nisha Tandon, OBE, Founder of Belfast Mela and Director of ArtsEkta said: “The wonderful turnout for our carnival today is testament to the support the vast majority of people in Northern Ireland have for cultural diversity.

“We are so proud to showcase all the diverse communities who have made Belfast their home and look forward to celebrating our city’s growing cultural diversity at Mela Day in Botanic Gardens next Sunday 25 August, 2024.”

Sec of state Hilary Benn speaks to women in traditional Japanese clothing. Belfast's diversity is celebrated with the launch of the Belfast Mela 2024. Making it's way from writers square to Belfast City Hall. Pictutres Mark Marlow
Secretary of State Hilary Benn speaks to carnival parade participants. Pictutres Mark Marlow (" ")

Upcoming events include a fusion of Irish and Indian folk music at the Citadels of the Sun concert; a Caribbean themed Silk Road Supper Club at The Academy Restaurant and Baba Bollywood at the Grand Opera House.

Belfast's diversity is celebrated with the launch of the Belfast Mela 2024. Making it's way from writers square to Belfast City Hall. Pictutres Mark Marlow
A series of Mela Plus events will follow across the city this week. Pictutres Mark Marlow (" ")

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Micky Murray said: “I was honoured to have the opportunity to lead Belfast’s Mela Carnival Parade.

“It’s been really uplifting to see this wonderful showcase of cultural diversity – and to see our streets filled with vibrancy, positivity, and joy once again.

Belfast's diversity is celebrated with the launch of the Belfast Mela 2024. Making it's way from writers square to Belfast City Hall. Pictutres Mark Marlow
People can enjoy a line-up of global music, dance, art, theatre, wellbeing and food. Pictutres Mark Marlow (" ")

“I’d like to say a big thank you to ArtsEkta, and to all the artists, community groups and performers who made today possible – as well as the thousands who joined us to celebrate.

“There’s a fantastic line up of Mela Plus events in store all week.”