Now recognised as one of Northern Ireland’s largest arts festivals, Belfast Mela brings together music, dance, art, theatre, wellbeing and food from around the world to celebrate the city’s growing cultural diversity.
The multicultural festival, which attracted more than 60,000 people last year, once again takes place over nine-day period.
The full Mela 2024 programme is available online at https://belfastmela.org.uk
17. Belfast Mela parade
This year’s Belfast Mela Festival started with a Mela Carnival through the streets of Belfast city centre. Photo: Jonathan Porter / Press Eye
18. Belfast Mela parade
The Mela parade makes its way through the heart of the city of Belfast in a fusion of colour, music and dance. Photo: Andrew McCarroll / Pacemaker
19. Belfast Mela parade
The Mela parade returns makes its way through the heart of the city of Belfast in a fusion of colour, music and dance. Photo: Andrew McCarroll / Pacemaker
20. Belfast Mela parade
This year’s Belfast Mela Festival started with a Mela Carnival through the streets of Belfast city centre. More than 800 participants representing more than 20 different cultural groups and from neighbourhoods across the city took part. Photo: Jonathan Porter / Press Eye