UKRAINIAN COMMUNITY AT BELFAST MELA FESTIVAL 2026: CELEBRATING UKRAINE’S INDEPENDENCE DAY TOGETHER
Belfast, 30 August 2026 – The Ukrainian community in Northern Ireland once again proudly took part in Belfast MELA, one of Northern Ireland’s major multicultural celebrations, bringing Ukrainian culture, traditions and history to the heart of Belfast and marking Ukraine’s Independence Day together with the wider community.
The annual MELA Festival provides a unique opportunity for communities from different cultural backgrounds to come together, share their heritage and celebrate the diversity of Northern Ireland. For Ukrainians living in Northern Ireland, participation in MELA has become an important annual tradition and an opportunity to represent Ukraine, connect with local people and introduce festival visitors to Ukrainian culture.
In 2026, the Ukrainian community was invited to take part in both the MELA Carnival on 22 August and MELA Day on 30 August.
The main MELA Day took place on 30 August at Belfast’s Botanic Gardens, bringing together communities, performers, families and visitors in a vibrant and welcoming celebration. The Ukrainian community hosted a Ukrainian tent, where visitors had the opportunity to meet members of the community, learn more about Ukraine, its history and traditions, and experience Ukrainian hospitality.
During the festival, representatives of the Ukrainian community in Northern Ireland had the honour of meeting and speaking with Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Northern Ireland Alan Moore OBE TD DL, as well as journalists and guests of the Belfast MELA Festival. These conversations provided a valuable opportunity to share the Ukrainian community’s experience in Northern Ireland, speak about Ukrainian culture and traditions, and strengthen connections with representatives of the wider local community.
The timing of this year’s festival was especially meaningful, as 30 August followed Ukraine’s Independence Day on 24 August. MELA therefore provided an important occasion for Ukrainians in Northern Ireland to continue celebrating their national identity and independence while sharing this important moment with friends, neighbours and the wider Belfast community.
A CELEBRATION MADE POSSIBLE BY VOLUNTEERS
The Ukrainian presence at Belfast MELA would not have been possible without the dedication, time and hard work of our volunteers and everyone who contributed to preparing the Ukrainian tent and creating a welcoming and beautiful atmosphere.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Alina for organising the event, and to Oleh, Andriy and Ivan for their help with the delivery and installation of decorations. Their work was essential to bringing the Ukrainian presentation together.
A special thank you goes to Mila and her family for helping to bring to life the idea of embroidery on a decorative mesh. Through their creativity, patience and hard work, the idea was transformed into a beautiful feature of our Ukrainian space.
We would also like to express our special thanks to Kira, whose wonderful dancing touched many hearts and brought tears of emotion to the eyes of those watching.
Our sincere thanks go to Inna for organising the mannequins dressed in Ukrainian traditional clothing, which became a wonderful addition to our presentation and helped visitors discover the beauty of Ukrainian national dress.
We are also especially grateful to Olia, who travelled to Belfast specifically to help decorate the Ukrainian tent before leaving to go to work. We deeply appreciate her support and willingness to help whenever needed.
Every contribution mattered — whether it was time, effort, ideas, practical help, creativity, support or simply being present. It was through these shared efforts that we were able to create such a special Ukrainian space and proudly represent our country at Belfast MELA.
REPRESENTING UKRAINE IN NORTHERN IRELAND
The 2026 participation continues the tradition of cultural diplomacy and community engagement. By opening a Ukrainian space at MELA, the Ukrainian community not only celebrates its own heritage but also contributes to the multicultural character of Belfast and Northern Ireland.
For Ukrainians, such events are particularly significant during a time when the country’s identity, independence and culture remain at the centre of international attention. Cultural events such as MELA provide an opportunity to demonstrate that Ukrainian traditions and national identity continue to thrive, while strengthening connections between Ukrainians and the local community.
We are sincerely grateful to the organisers of Belfast MELA, ArtsEkta, participating communities, volunteers, guests, journalists and everyone who visited the Ukrainian tent and supported our community.
It is a great honour to represent Ukraine at Belfast MELA and to share our culture, traditions and story with the people of Northern Ireland.
Our participation in MELA is a reminder that cultural diversity brings people together, creates understanding and builds stronger communities.
Together, we can create beauty, represent Ukraine and accomplish important and meaningful things.
Together, we celebrate Ukraine.
Together, we celebrate diversity.
Together, we stand united.
Glory to Ukraine!
(* With the support of the Consulate of Ukraine in Edinburgh and the Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Northern Ireland.)
