One of Australia’s biggest multicultural celebrations, the Pako Festa returns to the streets of West Geelong on Saturday the 28th of February.
With the world the way it is, probably more than ever the Pako Festa is proof that everyone in the world can come together and celebrate things that they have in common and learn and explore the things that are different.
This year marks the marks the 36th Pako Festa that started way back in 1983. Things have grown from the humble benginings and today the festival attracts around 100,000 people and is one highlights on the Geelong event calendar.
The 2018 event will celebrate the theme ‘Reflections of Culture’ with dozens of cultural groups performing or showcasing their delicious foods througout the festival site. You will find a incredible choice of interational cuisine from Bosnian Cevape, Marori Hangi, Indonesian Rendang, Russian Blini, Filipino Inihaw skewers, Greek Souvalaki, the list goes on and on and on.
The highlight of the Pako Festa is the colourful and vibrant steet parade that travels down Pakington Street from 11:00. Thousands flock the street to enjoy the incredible atmophere with the beautiful national costumes, music, dance and plenty of surprises.
After the parade the marketplace opens along Pakington Street and the adjoining lanes and public spaces including the West Park which holds the traditional Welcome to Country by Geelong’s Wautharong People and the opening ceremony that attracts some of our local and state dignitaries. Music and dance then takes over the five stages throughout the Pako Festa Precinct with dozens of performances spread over several stages.
