27/08/2024

Ministers Celebrate Multiculturalism At Belfast Mela

First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Junior Ministers Aisling Reilly and Pam Cameron have joined Northern Ireland's largest multicultural event, the Mela at Botanic Gardens in Belfast.

Now in its 18th year, the Mela is organised by ArtsEkta and brings together food, dance, music and arts from across the world.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "The Belfast Mela is a fantastic opportunity to experience and celebrate our incredible cultural diversity, and I was delighted to join in today's celebrations.

"The Mela has grown from strength to strength over the past 18 years and I thank Nisha Tandon and her team for all the hard work and dedication that was involved in organising so many fantastic events over the past nine days.

"We have all seen the devastating impact that recent violent disorder and racist attacks have had on our communities.

"There is no place for racism, intolerance and bigotry in our society. We stand united against hate and will continue to work towards an inclusive future to ensure that this is a place where people are proud to live, work and bring up their families."

Junior Minister Pam Cameron said: "The Mela is a celebration of all that is positive about our multi-cultural society and shows we are 'stronger together'.

"Every year more and more people unite in the real joy that is Mela. People of all backgrounds join in with a true spirit of friendship and mutual respect, experiencing different cultures and traditions,

"The Executive Office has been a long-term supporter of ArtsEkta through our Minority Ethnic Development Fund, and we are proud to be involved with the Mela. Everyone who lives here should be able to benefit from a fair and inclusive society where everyone is made to feel safe and welcome."

Junior Minister Aisling Reilly said: "The Mela is a highlight in our cultural calendar and is a fantastic opportunity to experience and celebrate the incredible diversity of Belfast and beyond.

"We must do all we can to assign racism and hatred to the past, and the thousands who have attended and enjoyed the Mela festivities over the past nine days shows the real face of Belfast.

"The vision of our Racial Equality Strategy is to be a society which is strengthened by its ethnic diversity. And we are absolutely committed to making this a place that is free from hate – one where everyone is welcome, everyone is treated equally and everyone is respected."


Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

03 August 2022
16th Belfast Mela To Make 'Welcome Return' To Botanic Gardens
The 16th Belfast Mela, Northern Ireland's largest cultural diversity festival, will make a welcome return to Botanic Gardens on Sunday 28 August after a break of two years due to the global pandemic.
04 August 2021
15th Annual Belfast Mela Returns On 23 August
Northern Ireland's largest cultural diversity festival, Belfast Mela, returns to the city on Monday 23 August until Sunday 29 August, 2021.
02 August 2024
Lord Mayor Launches 18th Belfast Mela Festival
The 18th Belfast Mela Festival has been officially launched by Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, at Ulster University, Belfast.
19 June 2024
Belfast Mela Announces 2024 Festival
Belfast Mela Festival is set to return with a nine-day programme of cultural celebrations across the city from Saturday 17 August. Belfast Mela hosts U105's Carolyn Stewart and UTV's Paul Reilly joined Mela founder Dr.
07 August 2019
Record Crowds Expected To Attend Belfast Mela
A celebration of Northern Ireland's cultural diversity, the 13th Belfast Mela is set to attract record crowds. The festival was launched yesterday by Lord Mayor of Belfast John Finucane and promises to be a wonderful family day out with a variety of world foods, music and dance showcased in Botanic Gardens on Sunday 25 August.