In photos: Spectacular Mela Carnival parade dazzles Belfast

Belfast was treated to a visually stunning celebration of multiculturalism on Saturday afternoon.

Participants from more than 20 cultures in colourful traditional costumes, accompanied by spectacular floats, world music and infectious energy took to the streets to mark the official opening of the 19th Belfast Mela Festival.

The fourth annual Belfast Mela Carnival Parade, led by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Paul Doherty and founder of Belfast Mela, Nisha Tandon was welcomed to City Hall where the cultural festivities continued with global performances on stage and much more.

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Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr Paul Doherty said: “It’s fantastic to see so much joy, vibrancy, friendship and fun in Belfast city centre. I’d like to say a big thank you to ArtsEkta, everyone who participated in the Mela Carnival Parade, and the thousands of people who’ve enjoyed the Carnival celebrations.

“This is Belfast – welcoming, diverse and full of craic! I encourage everyone to embrace this year’s Mela events – especially the closing highlight of the festival next Sunday, Mela Day in our beautiful Botanic Gardens.”

Nisha Tandon, founder of Belfast Mela and CEO of ArtsEkta, added: “Belfast’s strength lies in the richness of its people — each bringing unique traditions, talents, and stories that add colour and depth to our shared home. Belfast Mela was created as a stage for these voices, a place where cultures meet through music, dance, food and art.

“It is more than a festival; it is a celebration of what happens when we open our hearts to one another. With over 60,000 visitors expected over the week, Mela is creating a Belfast that is more connected, more creative, and more compassionate — a community where everyone belongs.”

When Worlds Collide, a powerful new outdoor production took place on the lawn at City Hall, blending storytelling, original music, and dance into a stirring call for environmental action featuring children from community groups from across the city.

A new Cathedral Quarter Mini Mela sponsored by CQ Bid entertained punters in the afternoon with electrifying SPARK drummers, Chinese Lion and Dragon dancers and much more providing free entertainment for visitors enjoying this creative and much loved tourist hub in the city.

The Belfast Mela Festival continues all week with a range of artistic forms including music dance, literature, theatre, wellbeing and food culminating in the big finale on Sunday, 24 August in Botanic Gardens for the traditional Mela Day from 12 noon to 6pm.

Full information on all events and booking information is available at www.belfastmela.org.uk.

Check out our photo gallery below from today's Belfast Mela Carnival.