Cork dancer Andrea Williams on dipping into her African heritage 

Andrea Williams' show for Cork Midsummer Festival was inspired by her father's Mandinga heritage in Cape Verde 

 Andrea Williams will perform at Firkin Crane for Cork Midsummer Festival. Photo: Bríd O'Donovan

From her memories of childhood growing up in Cape Verde, Cork-based dancer Andrea Williams recalls her dad as an extremely gentle and patient man. But once a year, she was truly terrified of him.

As a little girl, she would join the throngs on the streets for the local three-day annual carnival that starts on Shrove Tuesday on the island of Sao Vicente. On the final day, a coffin was promenaded through the streets, signifying the end of three days of partying and the burial of the carnival spirit, to be revived the following year.