Laois Africa Day returning this year to Portlaoise

The popular Laois Africa day will return for 2025, to fill Portlaoise with African culture, music, food and hands of friendship with the Laois community.

Laois Africa Day in Portlaoise is part of a nationwide series of events, to be held on Africa Day which is on May 18.

This week members of the Irish African community joined Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin to launch Africa Day 2025.

Dancer Lapree Lala, designer Florence Olufemi-Ojo, presenter of the popular Black & Irish Podcast, Leon Diop, and Discovery Gospel Choir singer Michael Chanda joined Minister Richmond at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin, which will once again host the flagship Africa Day celebration on 18th May.

Africa Day is the annual day that commemorates the foundation of the African Union and celebrates the people and culture of African countries.

The Laois event is coordinated by Laois African Support Group, led by Bolaji Adeyanju from Mountmellick, with the help of Laois County Council. 

While no details are yet announced for 2025 Laois Africa Day event, in previous years it has offered live music, drama, and poetry, traditional African drumming and dance displays, African fashion, arts and crafts and sports games and soccer.

It is a day not just for the Laois African community to come together, but for Laois people to join them in unity and fun. 

Sports day fun at Laois Africa Day in Portlaoise in 2024, with (right) organiser Bolaji Adeyanju of Laois African Support Group. Photo: Renata Metelicka

Celebrations will include a cultural festival showcasing African music, dance, food, fashion, and art, bringing communities together to celebrate the rich cultures of the African continent.

The events will feature performances by local artists, workshops, and family-friendly activities designed to promote cultural awareness and integration.

Organised in partnership between the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Dublin City Council, tens of thousands of people are expected to attend events all over the country where they will be entertained by over 40 musical acts, dancers and cultural groups representing countries across Africa. 

Read more: Exciting lineup for Laois festival of Gardens and Nature

Speaking at the launch, Minister Richmond said:

“I am honoured to help launch this fantastic event that celebrates the rich cultures of the African continent. Ireland has growing trade, political and cultural links across the continent of Africa. There is also a large Irish-African community, who are making significant contributions to our society and economy in towns and villages throughout Ireland.

“This day is an opportunity to promote those links and learn more about African cultures. I am delighted that local authorities across Ireland will be taking part in Africa Day 2025 and look forward to vibrant celebrations nationwide.”

All 31 Local Authorities across Ireland will host cultural, artistic, and family-friendly events around the country. These will include contemporary African-Irish culture events, as well as family fun days, fashion, art, film, music, dance, and food events, which will take place in every county across Ireland.