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The Belfast Mela carnival paraded through the city centre at the weekend. Photo by Jonathan Porter, Press Eye
IN a celebration of colour and diversity, people from all cultural backgrounds are reclaiming the streets this week.
The Belfast Mela, a multi-cultural festival celebrating world music, dance, food and art, kicked off on Saturday with a carnival in the city centre.
The same streets, awash with vibrancy, were terrorised by violence and intimidation only two weeks ago.
Looting, arson and racist attacks left migrants, asylum seekers and refugees scared to leave their homes. Some questioned whether they wanted to live in Northern Ireland long-term, and whether it was a safe place for them to raise children or build a family.
Now in its 18th year, Mela is an integral part of the city's cultural calendar. This year, it takes on even greater meaning as the festival also serves as a much-needed antidote to the rioting and disorder that broke out at the start of August.
Throughout this week, events including sound baths, supper clubs, film and dance performances will be held.
This Saturday, the festival finale takes place in Botanic Gardens in south Belfast, only minutes away from where cafes and restaurants were badly damaged and burnt out following anti-immigration riots.
Anyone who has attended one of the Mela events over the years will know that “celebration” is perhaps the closest word to describe the mood and atmosphere. It’s about warmth, joy, song, community and expression.
This year, Belfast Mela is an even more important reminder of the role of migrant communities living in Northern Ireland.
Many migrants have chosen to call Belfast home, including those who have fled conflict and warzones to seek safety and sanctuary.
Their presence enriches the country, contributing to the economy and also providing a more forward-looking and international perspective.
Too often, the contributions that ethnic minorities make to building peace are forgotten in favour of the old binaries of orange and green. A sustained and democratic peace is one which promotes social inclusion and community cohesion and embraces people from all backgrounds regardless of race, religion or ethnicity.
Embracing intercultural diversity – in spite of hardening attitudes towards immigration – is a critical part of our peace process and shared future.
Two years ago, Belfast City Council voted to officially become a City of Sanctuary and committed to making the city a more welcoming place for refugees and asylum-seekers.
This motion was supported by all the political parties, and Belfast Mela captures and promotes the voices that those same parties must represent.
The Mela both predates and honours the legacy of that 2022 vote, reflecting how far we’ve come while reminding us how far we have to go.
Washing the streets with colour, warmth and vitality, Belfast Mela is an incarnation of the best of the city. A Belfast that is inclusive of all communities and cultures.