Mayo County Council announces Africa Day Mayo 2026
Plans are underway to celebrate Africa Day 2026 in County Mayo. Africa Day is the annual worldwide celebration of the people, cultures, and potential of the African continent.
Africa Day welcomes brotherhood and sisterhood from all cultural backgrounds. It is intended to commemorate the richness of African cultures and the contribution of people of African descent to Irish life.
Africa Day will be celebrated with a series of events taking place nationwide. Local Authorities across Ireland are set to host a range of cultural, artistic, and family-friendly events. This year, Africa Day Mayo will take place on Saturday, May 16, at the Ballinrobe Racecourse from 1.30 p.m. to 3.30 p.m.
The planned Africa Day Mayo 2026 line-up includes: Family fun day, face painting for the children, education component designed and delivered by Mayo County Library and Sports Partnership. There will be cultural celebration through music and dance with DJ Mtoolz spinning his decks, and a special performance by national ambassador for Africa Day 2026, Lapree La La, a professional dance artist affiliated with Dance Ireland, who specialises in Afro and Amapiano styles.
There will be performances by celebrated musicians, local singers, artists and drummers, as well as various cultural exhibitions. African braiding will be onsite, as well as African fashion-fabric and jewellery. There will be food and snacks from various parts of the world. This is a great day for all the family and is a free event.
Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council Sean Carey said: "Africa Day Mayo is a standout date in our calendar that exemplifies Mayo’s vision of being an inclusive and proud county. It is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible richness of African cultures that now form a vital part of our communities. This event is all about community spirit at its finest - bringing people together, breaking down barriers, and enriching our county with diverse artistic traditions, music and cuisine, fostering a sense of belonging that makes Mayo such a vibrant place to live and visit".
Tom Gilligan, Director of Services with Mayo County Council added: “This year’s Africa Day Mayo festivities highlight the power of collaboration between the Council and our diverse community groups. This event serves as a platform for cultural exchange and mutual respect. It’s about building a sustainable and cohesive future where every culture is celebrated as an integral part of our county".
Deirdre Finnerty, head of Community Engagement Mayo County Council said: "Africa Day Mayo provides a space to showcase the talents, music, and traditions of our African-Irish community. By supporting these community-led celebrations, we are delivering on our commitment to make Mayo a truly welcoming home for everyone.”