The 19th Belfast Mela celebrations took place over the course of August 16-24, with more than 70,000 in attendance, and culminated in a thrilling carnival of colour in Botanic Gardens.
More than 300 artists and hundreds of community participants took part in this year’s nine-day festival.
Belfast Mela in Botanic Gardens
Watch: Belfast Mela Festival finale takes place in Botanic Gardens
The famous gardens, following a colourful parade, transformed into a global village, with stalls showcasing traditions and art from Ukraine, India, the Philippines and much more.
The exciting cross-cultural event was alive with music and dance from all over the world.
Thousands soaked up the sun in the park, enjoying traditional Irish music along with displays of Chinese and Mexican dance.
Residents of Belfast proudly showcased their own cultures yesterday as the Mela came to a thrilling close.
There was bright and brilliant Indian, Slovakian, Filipino and African attire, while the people of Belfast embraced each other’s cultures following a tumultuous June, which saw racial rioting in Ballymena.
Already excitedly anticipating the 20th Belfast Mela next year is founder Nisha Tandon OBE, director of ArtsEkta.
Founder of the Belfast Mela Nisha Tandon at Belfast Mela in Botanic Gardens on the 24th August 2025
“I have been here for 19 years doing the same thing. It is great to be here,” she said.
“This is a very positive event for us, to bring all of the communities together.
“Definitely it is needed [after the race-hate riots]; we shouldn’t be having all of that from last year.
“But this is the way life goes, this is something very positive.”
With a spate of attacks on members of the Indian community on the island of Ireland over the last few months, the Mela founder expressed how “very sad” it was to see.
“The Indian community has been at the heart of Ireland, both south and north,” she said.
“They are important to our economy, our hospitality and healthcare.
Also speaking to the Belfast Telegraph was Lord Mayor of the city, Botanic councillor Tracy Kelly, who said: “It is absolutely fantastic to be here today for the 19th Mela in Belfast.”
Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Tracy Kelly at Belfast Mela in Botanic Gardens on the 24th August 2025
“It is something the council is proud to support. Seeing so many cultures come together in such a positive way is fantastic.
“We have got to 19 years and every year it seems to be growing and growing. Nisha is doing a fantastic job — we can definitely see a 20th Mela.
“It is good for cultures to come together.
“There are now 20 different nationalities living in Belfast.
“We have seen so many cultures celebrated today in a positive way.
“That is what Belfast is all about: it is about bringing culture together, colours, vibrancy, positivity, and celebrating that as one.”
Following recent DUP opposition to housing asylum seekers in the Chimney Corner Hotel in Newtownabbey, which has been subject to anti-immigration protests over the past year, the Lord Mayor says that people’s concerns “shouldn’t be ignored”.
“I just think that we have to listen to people who have those concerns,” said Ms Kelly.
“We can’t just say that their concerns are not important — they should be listened to.
“But I would also like to say that violence is wrong. A protest should be peaceful.”
Sporting his traditional Slovakian wear while enjoying the festivities was Dušan and his daughter, Ella.
Dušan and his daughter, Ella.
“I have been enjoying it very much,” he said.
“It is a nice colourful festival of different nationalities.
“It is good to see them coming together. I have been in Belfast for 27 years.
“Ella is dressed up in a traditional Slovakian outfit — she will be dancing.
“I have a traditional shepherd’s coat and flute — I will be playing it on the stage.”
“I love [Belfast Mela]. It’s really nice how all cultures are coming together,” Ella added.
Mayte Segura of Mexican Dance Belfast stunned audiences while dancing with members of the group.
Mayte Segura of Mexican Dance Belfast
“We perform all around Northern Ireland,” she told the Belfast Telegraph.
“We performed last time at the Ulster Museum but this time at the Belfast Mela.
“I think it is an amazing way to bring cultures together.
“We love being a part of it and sharing it.
“I just think that this festival is just so beautiful.”
Holywood woman, Kirsty McReynolds
Kirsty McReynolds, meanwhile, came from Holywood to enjoy the festivities.
“I just think it is a great, colourful cultural celebration, celebrating all cultures,” she told us.
“It’s been great. There has been great music. We are going to watch some of the acts on the big stage and get some food as well.”