August is an important month when it comes to celebrating cultures. Many countries celebrate their independence days in August, such as;

6^th August – Jamaica (Just celebrated their 60^th Independent day)

9^th August – International Day of the world’s Indigenous Peoples

15^th August – India’s 76^th Independences Day

And more. This year Birmingham is hosting numerous major events from the commonwealth games to festivals. However, this month it is not just Birmingham that is celebrating culture, there are events all over the UK.

A popular cultural event in August is carnival. An event that celebrates culture from the Caribbean islands. Cities in UK, such as Leicester, Manchester, Birmingham and London host carnival, with Notting hill Carnival being the most well-known.

But why is it important to celebrate our own, as well as other people’s culture?

And how does this have a positive effect on young people?

1. Understanding your own Identity

Many young people struggle with their identity when growing up in the UK. Especially if a young person has multiple cultures, they may be confused and overwhelmed when understanding themselves and their identity. If there is no representation or educated on their culture, young people may be confused and angry. There is a link to young people feeling lost, thus leading to youth crime and gang violence.

UK is a diverse country, so it is important that there is a space for all cultures to be celebrated and represented. This will help many young people in the UK, to have a sense of understanding on who they are, making their discovery on their overall identity, a smoother process.

2. Respecting and Understanding Each Other.

As the UK is a diverse county, it is important to understand other people’s culture as much as understanding your own. It is easy to misunderstand or become ignorant if you do not actively educate yourself on the world, and other people’s culture. So, by celebrating multiple cultures through major events, in the media (such as representation in TV programmes, the news and in films), or even on the radio (by playing music from artist from different cultures), we can learn and understand each other.

This will help with racism in the UK. By understanding each other, we automatically will have more respect and appreciation for each other’s culture.

3. Stronger Multicultural Community

Once we have understood ourself, and each other, there is a higher possibility that we will have stronger communities in the UK. There will be less ignorance and more respect between neighbours and other community members from different backgrounds. This may also lead to less youth crime and youth violence.

Overall, celebrating cultures is important for everyone in the UK, from young people to adults. Culture celebrations provides understanding, inclusion and enjoyment, which promotes happiness, respect and harmony between people and communities.