BELFAST MELA TO BRING THE SOUNDS, FLAVOURS AND SPIRIT OF TUNISIA TO BOTANIC GARDENS WITH NEW MEDINA EXPERIENCE

Belfast Mela has announced an exciting new international cultural partnership with Tunisia, bringing an immersive Medina experience to Mela Day 2026 as part of the festival’s landmark 20th anniversary celebrations.

Inspired by the vibrant medinas of Tunisia, the new cultural quarter will transform part of Botanic Gardens into a sensory journey of colour, craft, music, food and storytelling, inviting visitors to wander, explore and connect with Tunisian culture in a unique and engaging way.

The Medina at Mela has been developed as a living cultural environment rather than a traditional market space, offering festival audiences the chance to experience the atmosphere of a Tunisian medina through a series of interactive zones and cultural encounters.

Highlights will include:

• The Souk of Makers – featuring Tunisian and North African crafts, cultural displays, traditional kaftans and live artistic demonstrations from Expressions Art.
• Music & Rhythm – showcasing traditional Tunisian music and performances presented by Nouvelle Cadence Association.
• Flavours of Tunisia – offering food experiences including harissa-making demonstrations, traditional markouth preparation and Tunisian tea tasting led by Cathargo Restaurant in Moria.
• Discovery Zone – hands-on family activities including mosaic tile making and creative workshops inspired by Tunisian design traditions led by ArtsEkta artists.

The new Medina forms part of Belfast Mela’s commitment to fostering international cultural exchange and creating opportunities for audiences to experience the diversity of cultures that shape contemporary Belfast.

Nisha Tandon OBE, Founder of the Mela, said:

“At its heart, Mela is about creating opportunities for people to connect through culture. We’re delighted to be developing this exciting partnership with Tunisia and introducing the Medina to Belfast audiences as part of our 20th anniversary celebrations.

We want visitors to feel as though they have stepped into a different world – one filled with music, food, creativity and hospitality. The Medina will offer a chance to slow down, explore and experience Tunisian culture in a way that is immersive, welcoming and memorable.”

Sabeh Cyndi, owner of Cathargo Restaurant in Moira and Tunisian Community Representative, said:

“For many Tunisians living in Northern Ireland, the Medina is much more than a place – it is a symbol of community, hospitality and everyday life. We are delighted to share a little of that spirit with Belfast through Mela.

This partnership is an opportunity to celebrate Tunisian culture through food, music, craft and conversation, while creating new connections between people and communities. We hope visitors will come with curiosity, take time to explore, and leave with a deeper understanding of Tunisia and the rich cultural traditions that continue to inspire us today.”

The Medina will sit alongside a packed programme at Mela Day 2026, including international music, dance, food, family activities, cultural experiences and special anniversary commissions celebrating 20 years of Belfast Mela.