Dublin: Despite recent threats of racist attacks, the International Festival at Kilbogget Park, Cabinteely, went ahead successfully, showcasing the artistic and cultural richness of communities from across the world, including India.
Formerly known as the Dún Laoghaire India Fest, the event was rebranded this year as an international celebration. It was organised by Social Space Ireland, an Indian community organisation in the Dún Laoghaire area.
In light of recent attacks targeting members of the Indian community, the festival saw an unprecedented deployment of Gardaí and security personnel to ensure the safety of participants and visitors.
More than 500 artists from over 15 countries, representing 30 cultural groups, performed on stage. The diverse programme featured traditional and contemporary performances from Ireland, India, Spain, Georgia, Brazil, Chile, Ukraine, Indonesia, China, Lithuania, Peru, Malaysia, Korea, and Poland.
Organisers described the event as a vibrant meeting point for Ireland’s global communities, with a strong message of solidarity and unity. This year’s festival also carried symbolic significance, highlighting the shared love of Ireland among expatriates and celebrating multicultural harmony at a time of heightened tensions.
Attendance remained high, with around 2,000 people taking part, despite heavy rain throughout the day. Most scheduled performances went ahead, underscoring the determination of artists and attendees alike.
The majority of those present were Irish attendees, who not only enjoyed the cultural displays but also used the occasion to express their solidarity with Indian and other minority communities living in Ireland.
The festival closed on a note of resilience, with organisers reaffirming their commitment to keeping Ireland’s multicultural identity alive and inclusive.
Irish Samachar English News