❤️Sweet memories of May 2025❤️

On a bright Sunday, the 11th of May, the heart of York came alive with the vibrant rhythms, colours, and voices of the York Health & Arts Mela—a free, all-day event held across the charming York Museum Gardens and Exhibition Square. From 10am to 5pm, visitors from all walks of life gathered to explore a rich blend of NHS services, voluntary sector organisations, arts, crafts, music, and global cuisine—a true celebration of community and culture.

Among the many who wandered into this joyful gathering was Sofonie Dala, a young African woman whose journey had brought her from Angola to the UK in pursuit of her studies. Though her path led her to York somewhat unexpectedly, Sofonie embraced the city's welcoming spirit and made it her mission to connect with the local community through public events.

During her free time, Sofonie often strolls into the city centre, keeping an eye out for posters, flyers, and newsletters that hint at something worth discovering. This time, it was the Health & Arts Mela that called her in, promising not only information and services, but also entertainment from around the world.

One moment, in particular, stirred something deep within her. As the sound of Brazilian capoeira filled the square—accompanied by the familiar chant of "Paraná ê, Paraná ê, Paraná a..."—Sofonie was instantly transported back to her childhood in Angola. She remembered the streets of her hometown, where groups of children, teens, and adults would gather to play capoeira. In the 1990s, it was everywhere—a blend of martial art, dance, and music that connected generations.

Standing in the middle of York, thousands of miles from home, the echo of those memories wrapped around her like an embrace. The past and present danced together in rhythm, reminding her how connected the world truly is.

For Sofonie, attending the Mela wasn't just about fun or curiosity—it was about belonging, reconnecting, and celebrating the cultural threads that tie people together across continents.