Greystones Celebrates Palestine With Culture Week

Greystones Harbour SUN26OCT25 John McGowan

ven during the darkest periods of history, art has both shone a light and offered a glimmer of resistance, perspective and hope.

And now, as the world celebrates what appears to be an end to the genocide in Gaza, art once again has a role to play.

Which is why Greystones For Palestine teamed up with Irish Visual Artists for Gaza, Wicklow ISPC and local businesses this past week for Culture Week, a chance for the town to celebrate connections through music, art, literature, food, film and community spirit.

The week culminated on Sunday 26th at 4.30pm with the town’s latest vigil for peace and solidarity taking place down at Greystones harbour, walking through the town for music and poetry in Burnaby Park just after 5pm.

And capturing it all, as always, our trusty snapper John McGowan. Full gallery of hi-res pics from the vigil are here.

Here’s young Mark Barry from Greystones For Palestine on the day…

A powerful vigil organised by Greystones for Palestine took place on Sunday evening, drawing over 250 people to march through the streets of Greystones and culminating at the stage area in Burnaby Park.

Despite the cold weather, attendees united to express their solidarity with the people of Palestine and to raise awareness about the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Graffiti by Hussein Abu Sadeq. Pic: Abu Mustafa

The evening commenced with Fionna Saintraint from Greystones for Palestine, who opened the event by inviting attendees to sign letters at designated stations.

These letters will be sent to the Department of Foreign Affairs as part of a collective effort to advocate for Palestinian rights.

Saintraint expressed gratitude to the volunteers from Greystones for Palestine, the Garda, and all who showed up in solidarity.

She emphasised the urgency of the moment, stating, “It is crucial that we come together to push for the enactment of the Occupied Territories Bill, as it is a vital step towards holding those responsible for the oppression accountable.”

Special thanks were also extended to Wicklow IPSC for their support and to the Irish visual artists who collaborated for Culture Week, with artwork by Maisara Baroud, supplied by Mary Hargaden, prominently displayed during the march.

Alice O’Donnell, director of the Whale Theatre, captivated the audience by reading two poignant poems by Palestinian poets, emphasising the importance of artistic expression in times of conflict.

John Kelly, a dedicated activist who has stood on a bridge over the N11 since January 2024, shared his personal journey of resilience and commitment to raising awareness.

“I want to ensure that the tens of thousands of people who travel on the N11 are reminded about the genocide taking place in Gaza,” Kelly declared. His heartfelt speech resonated with the crowd, calling for continued action and engagement in support of Palestinian rights.

Louise McCann contributed to the evening with a reading from The Gaza Monologues initiative, an international theatre project that shares powerful testimonies from young people in Gaza about their experiences under siege and occupation.

Asad Abusharkh, a passionate Palestinian human rights activist, poet, and official spokesperson for the Free Palestine movement and The Great March of Return, spoke fervently about the occupation of Palestine. As a prominent figure in the anti-apartheid and Palestine solidarity movements, Abusharkh has been involved in various events and discussions advocating for Palestinian rights.

His son, Aziz Abusharkh, also performed at the vigil, blending traditional Palestinian influences with contemporary sounds, further enriching the atmosphere and highlighting the cultural heritage of Palestine.

The evening concluded with a musical performance by Fiachna O’Briain of Hothouse Flowers, accompanied by cellist Vivienne Long.

The Greystones for Palestine Vigil stands as a testament to the power of community and collective action.

Organisers and participants alike reaffirmed their commitment to continue standing in solidarity with the people of Palestine, ensuring their voices are heard and their stories are told.

Thanks, as always, to John McGowan for capturing the day. Full hi-res gallery here.

You can find out more about Greystones For Palestine on Instagram here and check out that first candlelit vigil here and the second here. 

Full gallery of hi-res John McGowan pics from the vigil here, and more about Greystones For Palestine on Instagram here, that first candlelit vigil here, and the second here.