In Pictures: Belfast Mela begins

Belfast Mela, one of Northern Ireland's largest arts festivals, has officially begun in the heart of Belfast. The city centre was filled with bright colours and lively music as people from all backgrounds came together to celebrate. The festival started with a vibrant carnival parade, where participants threw coloured paint powder into the air, covering themselves and others in a rainbow of colours. Smiles and laughter filled the streets as everyone enjoyed the festive atmosphere. A highlight of the parade was a Chinese dragon that danced in front of Belfast City Hall, adding an exciting cultural touch to the event.

Many attendees wore traditional clothing that was both colourful and elegant, flowing as they danced through the streets. People were eager to capture the joyful moments, holding their phones high to take photos of the parade and their friends. The Belfast Mela is a celebration of inclusivity and creativity, bringing together people from different communities to share their cultures. Founded in 2006, the festival has grown to attract thousands of visitors each year. The festivities began with a parade from Writer's Square to City Hall and will end with a grand celebration in Botanic Gardens on Mela Day, which takes place on 24 August.

Throughout the festival, there are many performances on stage, featuring groups of musicians and dancers. Some performers wore sparkling mirror costumes and painted their faces with dramatic makeup, making them stand out in the crowd. Families and friends walked together in the parade, covered in coloured paint powder and enjoying the day. The word 'Mela' comes from Sanskrit and means 'to meet', reflecting the festival's goal of bringing people together. On Mela Day, visitors can experience world music, dance, food, and art that showcase Belfast's diverse culture and communities. The festival offers a full list of events, and everyone is invited to join in the celebration. People wore creative costumes, like a woman in a patterned kimono with a cat mask, and friends posed for photos, showing their excitement and happiness at being part of the festival.