Kilkenny to celebrate the vibrant cultures of Africa later this month
Africa Day 2025 comes to the Parade in Kilkenny with music, dance, food, and more
The sights, sounds, and flavours of Africa will come alive in Kilkenny later this month as the city hosts its own celebration of Africa Day 2025.
Taking place on Sunday, May 25 from 1pm to 5pm at the Parade, the free, family-friendly event promises an afternoon of lively entertainment, cultural expression, and community celebration.
Organised as part of the nationwide Africa Day programme, the Kilkenny event will showcase African drumming workshops, music from Malawi, Nigeria, Somalia and the Berber people, as well as traditional dance performances from Somalia and Nigeria. Attendees can also enjoy poetry and storytelling from South Africa and Nigeria, African cuisine, and children’s face painting.
Africa Day is a celebration of the cultures, traditions, and achievements of the African continent and its people. This year, all 31 local authorities across Ireland, including Kilkenny County Council, are hosting a variety of events highlighting the richness of contemporary African Irish culture.
Launching the nationwide programme, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, said: “I am honoured to help launch this fantastic event that celebrates the rich cultures of the African continent. Ireland has growing trade, political and cultural links with Africa, and a vibrant African Irish community contributing to society across the country.”
He added that Africa Day is “an opportunity to promote those links and learn more about African cultures,” praising local authorities for organising events that will “bring people together in celebration.”
The national launch, held at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin, featured prominent figures from the African Irish community, including dancer Lapree Lala, designer Florence Olufemi-Ojo, podcast presenter Leon Diop, and Michael Chanda of the Discovery Gospel Choir.
Africa Day Kilkenny is open to all, and organisers are encouraging people from all backgrounds to come along, join the celebration, and experience the colours and rhythms of Africa in the heart of the Marble City.
For more details, visit www.AfricaDay.ie.