With major music festivals like Oxegen and Electric Picnic becoming increasingly expensive, it’s no wonder that smaller more unique events are thriving, providing a cultural alternative while easing the strain on our wallets.
These events have also been making great strides in bringing our diverse communities closer together through music, food, religion and good times.
The success of events such as the Festival of World Cultures and Africa Day are a testament to how much we can learn about one another through actively sampling other national traditions.
Africa Day on 25 May is an opportunity to join Africans in Ireland in celebrating the social diversity and culture of the continent. This year events will take place around the country from 15 to 25 May, showcasing the food, music and unique cultures of several African countries.
Music is a key feature of Africa Day, with visitors having the opportunity to interact with performers, as well as to try out traditional African instruments, dances and musical styles.
The Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Festival of World Cultures promises to be a massive hit once again this year. Its popularity increases with each passing festival, and it’s easy to see why. Every summer performers and visitors from all over Ireland around the globe flock to south Dublin to celebrate the diversity and energy of our multicultural Irish society.
The carnival-like atmosphere of the festival, which takes place over the weekend of 23–25 July, presents an intimate and unique setting for the public to experience a range of fairs, concerts and street events. And many of these events are free of charge, which will be music to recession-weary ears!
The popular Life Festival in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, is now in its fifth year and has recently been nominated as one of the best small festivals in Europe. The music fest showcases an eclectic mix of traditional tunes and instruments, while multicultural performers bring a distinct world music feel to the event – and a perfect opportunity for the public to broaden their musical horizons.
Life prides itself on bringing the community together in the spirit of diversity – something that has created a meaningful bond and harmony between the entertainers and the audience. This year’s festival will feature Shane Gobi, a South African DJ who has a large following and specialises in energetic outdoor performances.
The Drogheda Samba Festival is a relatively new event which aims to emulate the carnival culture of Latin America. The three-day festival gathers performers ranging from professionals to community based samba schools together on the River Boyne in Co Louth to celebrate the passion and rhythm of samba music.
The focus of the festival, from 25–27 June, is very much on samba music, costume and dance, though music from other continents is slowly being introduced. Most of the gigs are free, and there is a carnival parade and a host of activities for the whole family.
It’s rare that we are afforded such an insight into other cultures and traditions, and the opportunity to celebrate them with the people who practice them. So take a chance on one of these festivals – you may just be surprised.
