féile anphobail
Belfast
Féile an Phobail was established in 1988 as a direct response to the conflict in
the north of Ireland. Its purpose was to celebrate the positive side of the
community, its creativity, its energy, its passion for the arts, and for sport.
It furthermore aimed to provide events and entertainment at a price that the
majority of the community could afford. In August 1988 the first Féile opened
with a relatively humble parade of floats, bands and GAA clubs walking in their
club regalia to an open-air party in Dunville Park. Street parties were
organised throughout the West. Door-to-door collections were made to fund day
trips to the seaside for pensioners and outings for young people. Soon the
street confrontations associated with the week around August 9th were displaced
by a positive display of the community and its creativity. The August Féile has
proved a resounding success, growing from strength to strength and inspiring
other troubled areas to organise similar festivals. Our carnival parade
routinely brings thousands of participants for a colourful, musical procession
with specially-designed floats representing a chosen theme, dancers and children
in costume and face masks. Féile an Phobail has grown from a one-week festival
to being the largest community arts festival in Ireland with a year round
programme of events.
