Residents from different cultures in Belfast came together recently to celebrate the city's rich and growing diversity.
The Grand Culture Café event at 2 Royal Avenue was held on Friday, June 17 as part of Belfast City Council's PEACE IV work. Among those in attendance were representatives from the Indian, Chinese, Italian, Spanish, Bulgarian, Polish, Arabic, African and African-Caribbean communities.
It was the finale event of a series from 2019 - conducted both in person and online - which showcased and celebrated Belfast's rich cultural diversity. Working closely with different communities, the events shared the traditions, life, food, cultural artefacts and language of diverse cultures that call Belfast their home.
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Two publications entitled 'Belonging to Belfast' were also launched at the special event. This included a book for children, featuring interviews and information on all cultures that took part in the Culture Café series.
Councillor Mal O’Hara, Deputy Chair of Belfast City Council’s Shared City Partnership, said: “Our Culture Cafés shone a spotlight on a range of cultures here in the city. They have been imaginative and interesting and generated lively conversations. I would like to thank all those who have contributed to the series.
“The Culture Cafés have also contributed to the aims of our Good Relations strategy by increasing knowledge of diverse cultures, identities and heritage, creating respect for diversity, fostering an increased sense of belonging and challenging racism and stereotypes too.
“We believe good relations is everyone’s business – we all have a role to play to create a brighter and better future for Belfast. We all have differences and similarities and that is a beautiful thing to be celebrated.”
The PEACE IV programme is an EU funded cross-border initiative supporting peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the border region. The programme is financed through the European Union and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
For more information on the programme, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/PEACEIV
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