Threads of joy and community
29th October 2024
Essex has a rich tapestry of cultural events and festivals that light up the county throughout the year.
Christmas is on the horizon, bringing celebrations in December for Christians, as well as those who do not follow any religion.
For Muslim communities, the end of the year is marked by the celebration of Mawlid, the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, where homes are adorned with lights and families come together for feasts and prayers.
Hindu families, meanwhile, honour the spirit of Diwali with the Festival of Lights around the beginning of November, celebrating the victory of light over darkness.
In China, the Lunar New Year is celebrated at the end of January and begins in earnest as families clean their homes to sweep away bad luck and gather to share elaborate meals, awaiting the dawn of a prosperous new year.
These celebrations offer a glimpse into the diverse ways people come together to embrace the festive spirit. Whether it’s through prayer, feasting, or simply spending time with loved ones, these traditions highlight the universal threads of joy and community that tie us all together during the year and the festive season.
The independent charitable trust Essex Community Foundation (ECF) supports a wide range of local charities and voluntary organisations who not only celebrate dates in their cultural calendar, but also reach out to their wider community, engaging people of all ages in projects, events and activities. This work helps to strengthen community cohesion and tolerance and improve education and understanding of different cultures.
Caroline Taylor, CEO of ECF, said: “Essex is enriched by the many charities and voluntary organisations that celebrate our diverse cultures, and we are proud to support their efforts. These charities have a unique ability to connect different communities to cultivate understanding and tolerance. Festivals and annual celebrations are powerful ways to build a more inclusive, curious and compassionate county.”
Essex Cultural Diversity Project (ECDP)
ECDP is based in Rochford and since 2011 they have been working with various festivals to provide new and exciting platforms for artists from different backgrounds to present their work and celebrate the diverse communities that call Essex home.
From Diwali festivals that light up the streets with colour and music to Chinese New Year parades filled with dragons and lanterns, they ensure that these significant events are not only celebrated but are also shared with the wider community. In doing so, they help to keep traditions and customs alive and accessible to people of all ages.
Inderjit Sandhu is the creative director and CEO at ECDP. He said, “One of the cornerstones of our work is support for cultural celebrations across Essex and creating spaces where people of all backgrounds can come together in mutual respect and joy. By fostering these events, we encourage residents to learn about and appreciate the many cultures that coexist within Essex, and they are also great fun.
“One highlight in our summer calendar is our Global Village stage, a multi-art form and music festival, held in July and August each year in various outdoor locations across Essex. The event brings together outstanding acts from Essex and all over the world to create a truly unique festival spectacular, celebrating music, dance, storytelling, art and performances from BAME artists in the UK and all corners of the globe. Artists include Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band, UK African Acrobats, Bollywood dancing and many more.
“Funding from ECF and two of the charitable funds they manage, the Essex Fund and the Diana Tinson Fund, helped us with the costs of putting on the festival.”
Harlow Hindu Society
The Harlow Hindu Society was formed in 2021 and has become an active community organisation that plays a central role in preserving and promoting Hindu culture and traditions within Harlow and its surrounding areas.
The society has become a focal point for the Hindu community and those looking to connect with their heritage, while engaging with the broader community. ECF was pleased support their annual dancing festival, Navaratri and Dussehra, which celebrates good triumphing over evil and typically lasts around 10 days.
Nishall Garala, President of the Society, said, “Throughout the year, we organise a variety of cultural events that are not only cherished by members of the Hindu community, but are also warmly embraced by people of all backgrounds.
“Navaratri, a festival that includes lots of traditional dancing, is celebrated around the autumn period, it is one of the society’s most significant celebrations where families gather to worship and enjoy traditional music and dance. This event is full of vibrant colours and a joyous atmosphere and draws in people of all ages and families from across Harlow.
“Another one of the festivals that people most enjoy celebrating, especially the children, is Holi, the festival of colours, which marks the end of winter. Everyone loves the tradition of throwing coloured powders at each other which symbolises the arrival of Spring and the victory of good over evil.”
As well as these major festivals, the society also hosts different events, such a charity quiz night and health and wellbeing day, that bring together people, whilst ensuring that the rich traditions of Hinduism are passed down to future generations, while promoting understanding and respect within the wider community.
Colchester Chinese Cultural Society
The Colchester Chinese Cultural Society (CCCS) has been in existence for over 20 years and supports more than 100 families in the District.
ECF has supported various aspects of their work which, as well as preserving ancient traditions and celebrating important dates in their cultural calendar, aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Chinese heritage among the wider Colchester population.
One of the most anticipated events of the year organised by the CCCS is the Chinese New Year celebration held in January, which brings the streets of Colchester to life with colourful parades, traditional lion and dragon dances and a showcase of Chinese music and martial arts.
Simone Xue, Manager at CCCS said: “This festive occasion not only marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year but also provides an opportunity for people from all walks of life to experience the richness of Chinese culture. It is such a vibrant event which creates a wonderful atmosphere, and we have lanterns and fireworks, as well as delicious traditional foods like dumplings and spring rolls.”
In addition to Chinese New Year, the CCCS also organises events for the Mid-Autumn Festival which celebrates harvest. Mooncakes are shared among friends and families while gazing at the full moon and cultural workshops introduce the community to Chinese arts, language, and cuisine.