Refugee week marked in Mayo with celebration of community spirit and resilience
Refugee Week has been celebrated in Ireland with the theme of this year’s event being ‘Community as a Superpower’.
Mayo marked the event with a vibrant series of events supported by Mayo County Council’s Local Authority Integration Team (LAIT), in collaboration with frontline services and community partners.
The week-long programme was a celebration of resilience, creativity and community spirit, bringing together people from across cultures and backgrounds.
The week began with an evocative exhibition at Ballina Arts Centre by well recognised Pakistani Irish artist Hina Khan, whose powerful visual work explores themes of displacement, conflict, and hope. Her art remained on display for the week, offering visitors a chance to engage deeply with the refugee experience through a creative lens.
On Friday last, Castlebar Library came alive with music and poetry at the “Together in Song” event. Performances by the Mayo County Council choir and guest musicians, singers, and poets from Ukraine and Zambia, offered a moving tribute to shared humanity and musical expression.
The event was officially opened by Councillor John O’Hara and Mayo County Council’s Integration Lead Anna Connor, who both spoke of the importance of inclusivity and community cohesion.
The event was described by attendees as truly fabulous and deeply uplifting.
Saturday’s Family Celebration event entitled ‘Superpower Skills Exchange’ took place at Lough Lannagh, and was a lively and vibrant event for refugee families. Organised by South West Mayo Development Company (SWMDC), the day featured traditional food, live music, henna art, sports and other family-friendly workshops and activities.
The event created a space for connection, belonging, and a celebration of cultural diversity.
Mayo County Council and the Local Authority Integration Team extend their sincere thanks to all who contributed to the success of the week and they include: The Ballina Arts Centre, MCC choir, Library Service, PPN, Local Development Companies, Foróige, One Voice Choir, artists, volunteers, and most importantly all those who attended.
These events help strengthen connections, build trust, and reinforces that Mayo is a place of welcome. The contributions of refugees and asylum seekers to the county are valued and vital to its social and cultural fabric.
For more information on integration initiatives in Mayo, please contact the LAIT team at Mayo County Council.