Dublin’s coolest nail salon, Tropical Popical, is hosting a very special pop-up in honour of World AIDS Day on 1 December.
For the first time, there is a World AIDS Day Festival 2025 in the capital, a five-day program running from 2, with events from 7 November to 1 December, with events across the city.
The pop-up in Tropical Popical is aimed at women who account for 20% to 25% of new diagnoses, and to raise awareness, offer a safe and welcome space, and provide educational resources to everyone who attends. Here is when it’s happening.
Tropical Popical Nail Salon
Pic: Supplied
Tropical Popical is Dublin’s funkiest nail salon, and no one ever forgets the first time they see the David Gandy-decorated bathroom; it’s worth a view even if you don’t need to go.
At the Poz Vibe Tribe pop-up at Tropical Popical on 28 December, between 3 pm and 5 pm, there will be two senior nurses carrying out HIV testing for anyone who wants to pop in, but a manicure isn’t a necessary part of the process (although it would be nice). The HIV Testing Hub team will be there to have the chats, giving nail lovers and those being tested the perfect opportunity to speak to people living with HIV about how that impacts or does not impact them.
HIV Testing Hub
Tropical Popical nail salon Pic: Instagram
Andrea Horan, founder of the nail salon, has explained the support for World AIDS Day. She says, ‘As the rates of diagnoses rise in women, bringing testing into their consciousness and reducing the stigma around HIV is paramount to drive that number down. But only by knowing your status will you be able to take control of it. Testing for HIV shouldn’t feel scary or daunting; it should be as easy as getting your nails done. Hence, the pop-up this Friday.’
No appointment is necessary to visit the testing hub; it will be a warm, inviting space for anyone who wants to pop in. If you can’t make it on the day, you can order free tests from sh24.ie and find out more information.
World AIDS Day Festival 2025
Andrea Horan Pic: Supplied
World AIDS Day Festival 2025 is the first of its kind in Ireland and globally, offering a vibrant blend of remembrance, celebration, and HIV awareness, with all proceeds supporting the vital work of GCN, Gay Community News.
For more information about everything happening during the five-day program, visit here.
