Mela is a Sanskrit word meaning "gathering". As the name suggests, the annual "Mela" is a 2-day festival or fair with a South Asian flavour, but incorporating Scottish and international performances and artists. The Mela was founded in 1995.
In the space of an hour, you'll quite possibly watch African drumming, flamenco dancing, bhangra, and an emergency services demonstration, while chowing on hot samosas and sipping a chai tea. And where else would you catch Rabbie Burns in Urdu?
Edinburgh Mela 2023
Programme details are still to be confirmed for Summer 2023, but the Mela typically includes:
- music on two stages
- a kidzone
- a dance fest
- a market
- "global food village"
- Mela fashion show
The Mela usually takes place in Leith Links (it's also been in Pilrig Park and Meadowbank Stadium) and happens towards the end of the Edinburgh Festivals schedule, usually over the first weekend in September. The Mela was cancelled in 2020, 2021, and 2022 (a different organisation held a similar event - Mila Mela on Leith Links on 21 August 2022).
Tickets
Entry fee was previously £4 for adults; under twelves get in free. (TBC)