When
12pm-6pm, 30th August 2009
Where
Botanic
Gardens
Immerse yourself in one of India's most colourful celebrations with this
year's Belfast Mela. It's a showcase of music, dance, art and food, and this year will mark the city's third Mela
festivities.
Asian Fashion Show
Melas originate from the Indian sub continent and sprang from traditional
religious gatherings like Diwali and Eid. They are a celebration of the
community's cultures, from the traditional to the contemporary, and the
Belfast Mela is no different. This year the city's Mela will host its first
Asian fashion show, with an ethnic mix of models showing off silk saris and
salwars to the beat of contemporary Bollywood music.
World Food
Undoubtedly, given our love affair with Indian food, the food market and
bazaar will be one of the highlights of the Belfast Mela. But it's not just
Indian food that's on offer. There's traditional Irish fare, Caribbean
soul food, French cuisine, as well as Chinese, Thai, Japanese and, of
course, Indian. After you've munch your way around the world's menu, you
can head over to the ethnic bazaar where you'll find clothing and
accessories.
Greek Dancers
You can easily get your fill of music and culture at the Belfast Mela with
several stages hosting everything from bhangra singers to traditional Greek
dance. At the O2 stage you'll find Mona Singh who is one of the top bhangra
singers in the country and has performed at all the major melas in the UK,
as well as touring Europe, the US and Asia. The Desi Brave Hearts, a dance
group made up of a mix of different ethnic backgrounds, will be performing
their Bollywood-style routines. And to prove this is a truly international
Mela, Glasgow Hellenic will be putting on a show of traditional Greek
dances, all in traditional costume.
Henna Tattoos
There's a host of other activities you can take part in to get in the
spirit of the Belfast Mela. You can take a very special tour of the Botanic
Gardens in the Pedicab Rickshaw, have your face painted, or opt for some
traditional henna tattooing. There'll also be craft workshops, walkabout
street theatre and, if you don't want the party to end, you can head to the
Bhangra After Party at The Merchant Hotel.
The Belfast Mela takes place at the Botanic Gardens from 12pm-6pm, 30th
August 2009. Admission is free. The Bhangra After Party takes place from
9.30pm-12am. Tickets cost £5 in advance (from Ollies Club) or £7 on the
door.