BBCThis year’s Féile carnival parade saw the biggest ever “influx of groups”, according to organisers.
Hundreds of people took part on Saturday in one of the largest events in the Féile calendar.
The theme of this year’s event was ‘Our Children, Their Rights.’
Féile an Phobail is billed as Ireland’s biggest community arts festival and is in its 37th year.
The festival pitches itself as a celebration of Irish culture, with a spectacle of music, art, and comedy events as well as political discussions.
Biggest influx of groups taking part
Joe Herald, a community engagement officer with Féile, said the carnival is the “highlight” of the annual event.
“The planning has been going on from last year. The theme this year is a community celebration of global culture.
“One of the things Féile prides itself on is opening up west Belfast to the rest of the world.
“We’ve probably had out biggest influx of groups wanting to take part in the parade this year – over 100 – and that ranges from community, youth, sport and cultural groups.”
Rachel Davey is a ceramics artist and was working with groups from Lagmore and Springvale in the parade.
“Today we are following through with the theme environment and pollution.
“The girls’ costumes are representing Belfast Lough.
“They are dressed in mussels, which is our last form of defence to protect against the pollution, as they are filter feeders. We wanted to show the issue that’s at hand.”
‘Important for all cultures to be seen’
Lauren Martin is a lead dancer and choreographer for South Asian Dance Academy and was one of the dancers in the carnival.
“Every year we come back to the Féile to celebrate all the cultures that are being represented.
“It’s very important that we get to express so many different cultures, for all cultures to be seen and be recognised and celebrated.”
Ice Ng also took part in the parade.
“I’m originally from Malaysia and have lived here a long time – over 20 years.
“We are taking part in the parade today to tell people to join together and have fun.”
‘It’s all about coming together’
Kevin Donnelly and his son Logan turned up to watch the carnival.
“I think it’s great family day out – to see all the different cultures and watch the floats.
“It’s great for young people to see the different cultures.”
Marrisa McGuinness also attended with her family
“We come every year, it gets bigger and better.
“It’s brilliant for the kids especially at this time of the year the weather is lovely.
“It’s brilliant to see the different cultures. That’s what it’s all about coming together.”
