On May 24th, Waterford came alive with vibrant colours, music, and dance as the city celebrated Africa Day with a joyful community event held at the Waterford Cultural Quarter, in the heart of the city. Organised by local African community groups, in partnership with Waterford City and County Council. The day featured traditional drumming performances and dancing featuring dazzling African attire, Afrobeat music, and a wide variety of African cuisine stalls, allowing visitors to experience the rich culinary traditions of Africa. Families gathered to enjoy storytelling sessions, children’s games, street performers, stilt walkers and art and face-mask workshops that celebrated the rich diversity of African cultures.
Waterford New Community Network volunteered in the event, both as members of African Communities in Waterford or as supporters of the event. The celebration created a joyful atmosphere where families, friends and neighbours came together to celebrate Africa’s legacy and its vibrant presence in Waterford.
One of the WNCN members, Osas Usideme, allowed members of the public to try on Nigerian royal garments and accessories, and therefore, briefly, feel like real Nigerian kings and queens. Even the Metropolitan Mayor of Waterford, Cllr. Joe Kelly got a chance to become one. The event fostered a spirit of inclusion, pride, and cross-cultural connection, highlighting the contributions of African communities to the cultural fabric of Waterford.
As part of the Africa Day celebrations, Tura Arutura, a well-known Zimbabwean-Irish activist and cultural educator, led an engaging and insightful workshop on Decolonizing Gender. As the musical genius he is, he ended his presentation, encouraging us to sing together, as Gaeilge. Before this, he performed a few urban street-inspired dances mixed with Sean Nós (traditional Irish) dancing.
Like in previous years, Africa Day 2025, was a day not to be missed.
