You wouldn’t imagine it, but there is an event that draws 100,000 people into the city to stand around and eat takeaway food. Impressive huh? Well there’s a very good reason for this – it’s an event that involves the entire community.
The 2014 National Multicultural Festival, from Friday 7-9 February, marks the 23rd edition of this wonderful weekend celebrating all aspects of our city. If you haven’t done the ‘Multi-Culti’ then you are missing out on one of the true highlights of the Canberra calendar.
Last year looked bigger than ever. We loved walking through from Petrie Plaza through to Civic Square only to have to stop for a seemingly endless parade of Samba dancers. They weren’t alone, either – a long string of kids and adults trailed in the wake while dancing to the Latin beats.
That’s the beauty of the National Multicultural Festival.
One of our highlights was passing the tent of Canberra’s small – though utterly delightful – Karen community. The Karens originate from Burma, largely populating the southeastern corner of the country around the Thai border. This tropical climate has its own cuisine, and we were amazed by the flavours of their lemongrass chicken. Go and see them. IT’S DELICIOUS!
Another great place to party is in the African Village (last year located in and around the northern part of Ainslie Avenue). The dancing is relentless, the energy contagious and the atmosphere electric. Everyone is welcome as all manner of performances detail life across the length and breadth of the continent.
If it all becomes too much, head off to the Middle East for a refreshing apple tea and some baklava, or hit up the Europeans for a beer. Let’s face it, your options are endless, and if you don’t end up leaving the throng exhausted and with a full belly you haven’t taken advantage of all there is on offer.
We’ll have more details on the National Multicultural Festival next week. In the meantime, check out multiculturalfestival.com.au for further information.
