Biggest yet Laois Intercultural Day invites communities to take part

What is expected to be the biggest ever Intercultural Day yet in Laois is being planned this Spring, thanks to the continued growth of new communities in the county.

The Laois Africa Support Group (LASG) is hosting their inclusive community event after a two year Covid break.

Chairperson Bolaji Adeyanju is inviting people from all the different cultures in Laois to take part.

People from almost 100 countries now live in Laois, representing some 10% of the population. More than 8,000 people, representing almost 100 nationalities, live in Laois. At least 57 languages are spoken and more than 20 religions practised in the county.

“We are trying to get as much people as possible to participate from different migrant communities, and bring all those communities together.

“Introducing everyone the Irish communities is very important, but it is also important that we all find out about each other as well as about Ireland, to promote understanding,” he said.

The day will feature displays of foods to try, live world music, drama, spoken word and dancing, face painting and henna, with volunteers and artistes invited to register their interest now.

“We welcome anything and everything. We have invited the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth of Ireland Roderic O'Gorman.

“Not every county holds Intercultural days, we are one of the few and it has been so successful every year.

“The Laois community has been amazing. Cultures have been made so welcome,” Bolaji said.

“There will be a Latvian group new to this year, and a Greek group. In particular we will have Ukraine culture and people really need to experience that for themselves, it's awesome,” said Bolaji.

A native of Nigeria, he said part of importance of the day is to show second generation children born in Ireland,more about their own unique cultures, to instil pride and grow awareness of other cultures too.

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“I like to wear my own traditional dress and my hat. It's who I am, its a symbol, it's part of me. We want to keep our cultures alive and be proud of them.

“It is important to show our own ways of life, our dress, the way we talk. We say we are Irish as well, it is now our home.

“Our children have gone to school here, their friends are Irish. They know nothing apart from Ireland.” Bolaji said.

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The day will take place on Saturday, April 22, with a venue yet to be confirmed but it will be in Portlaoise.

Register your country and your interest by emailing info@laoisafrica.com or direct message the Laois Africa Support Group via their Facebook page.

The day is sponsored by LASG and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.