It’s all about Africa

A vibrant programme of events celebrating the beauty and culture of Africa and its people will get underway across county Cork this weekend.

Cork County Council’s Africa Day programme kicks off this Saturday with an event in Carrigaline Library and will run up until Africa Day on 25 May.

Africa Day is the annual worldwide celebration of the people, cultures, and potential of the African continent.

On Saturday, AHA Storytellers, a troupe of from Carlow, will perform a special show of music, dance, and storytelling in Carrigaline Library. The show runs from 2-4pm with no booking necessary.

On Tuesday, musician Kiruu will play a free concert from 8pm in Briery Gap, Macroom. Kiruu’s music combines influences from his mixed cultural background of Ireland, the Mediterranean, and East Africa. This is a free event, but booking is advised through the Briery Gap website at brierygap.ie.

Patrick from African Drumming Ireland returns this year with his extremely popular free workshops in Mitchelstown Library on 22 May at 3pm and Newmarket Library on 23 May at 3pm. Booking is advised as spaces are limited. Book by calling Mitchelstown Library on 025-41939 or Newmarket Library on 029-61090. Patrick will also be facilitating workshops in schools across North Cork.

Announcing the programme, Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Joe Carroll said: “Africa Day is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate and participate in the diverse range of cultures from Africa. All 31 local authorities are taking part in the day, reflecting the contribution of culture and creativity from African countries across Ireland.”