Moate's community spirit shines through for Africa Day 2025
Africa Day Moate 2025 brought hundreds of people together for a three-day cultural celebration that culminated in a spectacular community event at Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park on Sunday, May 25.
Now in its third year, Africa Day Moate has grown into a standout cultural event in the local calendar — not just for the African community, but for the wider community.
The festival, organised by Moate’s Walk and Talk Group supported by New Horizon Refugee Support Group with support from Irish Aid through Westmeath County Council, ran across three days, featuring art exhibitions, film, family activities, and a powerful open-air celebration on Sunday.
Using a theme of Respect, Solidarity and Unity, this year’s Africa Day transformed Moate into a hub of vibrant activity and intercultural exchange.
The festivities kicked off on Friday, May 23 with the official launch of Africa Day which included a lunchtime presentation by Abimbola Ayinde and launch of “Faces of Africa” art exhibition by local artist Lesley Wingfield at Moate Library. This was followed by a hands-on art workshop with Art Box and a Movie screening of “Half of a Yellow Sun” at Tuar Ard Arts Centre.
On Saturday, May 24, families gathered for a creative afternoon of African-inspired arts and crafts, setting the stage for the main event on Sunday. Sunday’s showcase began in style with a vibrant Parade of Flags — colours flying, hearts open — as attendees were invited to make new friends and chat during a joyful walk around the park. The parade honoured the rich tapestry of cultures and communities represented in Moate.
Members from 30 countries, including Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Botswana, Brazil, Cameroon, Congo DR, Egypt, Georgia, Ghana, India, Ireland, Jordan, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Rwanda, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Togo, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, and Ukraine carried their national flags with pride to the uplifting sounds of Wavin’ Flag.
The grounds of Dún na Sí came alive with the Sounds of Africa, featuring performances from the Moate’s Ubuntu Voices Choir, led by choir director Andrew Yau.
The evening featured lively Afrobeats DJ sets, an energetic drumming workshop with Samba Stew, and a captivating performance of the traditional Dabke dance by members of the Palestinian and Jordanian communities — a display that had the crowd on their feet.
Spoken word and poetry contributions were shared by Noella Woshasha from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Seraphine Habimana from Rwanda, and 10-year-old Oluwapelumi Esther Adelanwa from Nigeria, who delivered a moving recitation of “I Am an African Child.”
Outdoor market stalls offered a sensory journey through African food, fashion, crafts, jewellery, and tribal face painting. Guests were treated to the Tastes of Africa, an opportunity to taste the real flavours of Africa drawing curious palates from Morocco to Cameroon, Nigeria to Algeria and Zimbabwe to Lesotho.
Invited guest Gbemisola Adewumi Taiwo, CEO of TellAfrica, guided attendees through the Styles of Africa, a fashion show with members of the African community showcasing their traditional fashion and designs.
As the Ubuntu Voices Choir sang into the evening, the message of the day rang clear: Moate is a town that celebrates diversity, embraces inclusion, and leads with heart.
Africa Day Moate 2025 was more than a celebration — it was a reflection of a community that is richer because of its many voices, and stronger because it chooses to walk forward, together.
For more information or to get involved in next year’s event or to join some of the integration activities, contact 086 3783483.