Happy birthday to us! This year is the 20th anniversary of Canberra’s favourite festival – the National Multicultural Festival.
Canberra’s Favourite Celebration
There ain’t no party like a street-party party, and one of the biggest in the country will be on from Friday 12 until Sunday 14 February. Records will be broken as more than a quarter of a million people pack the city centre in celebration of the breadth and scope of the society in which we live.
For many, the party is about amazing food, dance performances and a cold beverage of your choice. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the summer heat and, while you’re at it, learn about the rich diversity of the Canberra community. For locals, the NMF is a key part of living in this city – it’s not a question of if you’re going to the ‘multi-culti’, but simply a matter of when.
It’s more than you think!
For new Canberrans, who might have been told all about the Brazilian parade, the Greek dancing, the Egyptian tea or the Czech beer, it’s important to realise that ethnicity is just one of the types of cultures that are on show at the festival.
The NMF explores plenty of other themes that tie us together as communities. Given the nature of this town, politics is a great example, and you can expect to see all the major parties there in force. Sexuality is another, with all manner of information services and support groups representing the LGBTI community and the rainbow of cultures it contains.
What’s in it for you?
However, ethnicity is always going to be a big part of the show. If you’re interested in some of the less-known communities that exist under other national banners, there will be stalls from the Karin (an ethnic group from modern Myanmar) and the Palestinians will be flying their flag among other Middle-Eastern neighbours. Who knows? You might even find a tent representing the Hmong!
The beauty of the National Multicultural Festival is that, in the deepest sense, there is something there for everyone. Be it music, food, politics, sex or the universal love of a great time, it’s easily one of the best weekends on the calendar.
For more information, go to www.multiculturalfestival.com.au, and stay tuned for details of OutInCanberra’s exclusive NMF dining experience – The Island.
