Aucklanders are in for a treat as the city is set to roll out three weeks of festivities to celebrate the value and vibrancy of its diversity.
World of Cultures will kick off on March 21, 2023, marking Race Relations Day, and continue until April 10. The gala organised by Auckland Council will offer more than 60 free or low-cost activities and events across the Auckland region.
David Burt, Head of Events at Auckland Council, told The Indian Weekender, "We’re expecting close to 20,000 attendees across all of the events this year. In this 21-day event, visitors can enjoy a wide range of family-friendly activities like joining a sushi or dumpling-making class, shopping at a French market, viewing a kubuni (African comics) exhibition, learning about Filipino eating practices, or coming along to a Kathak dance workshop. This year we have more than 60 cultures represented at this event, and the responses we've received from our communities have been incredibly positive.”
Some of the main events include ‘Celebrating Cultures’ in Howick on March 25,‘Whau Cultural Celebration in New Lynn on March 25, and Moana Oceania open day at NZ Maritime Museum on March 25.
For the Kiwi-Indian community, one of the main draws is CultureFest at Mt Roskill War Memorial Park's on April 2, which includes an Indian Cultural Zone. CultureFest has become a signature event at World of Cultures, with more than 100 stalls offering traditional foods from around the world, arts and crafts and live performances throughout the day.
The Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councillors, Local Board Chairs and some members of Parliament will be attending the Mihi Whakatau, a traditional Maori welcome ceremony, at the CultureFest on April 2.
For more family fun, you can participate in FootballFest at Walter Massey Park on March 26 and cheer for teams representing nations from across the globe, or join Play Festival at Tuna Mau/Western Park on April 8, where tamariki can try traditional games from Maori, Pasifika, Asian, African and European culture groups.
Across 21 days, there will be hundreds of performers taking to the stage at various events throughout the region. CultureFest alone has more than 18 hours of performance time.
Burt says, “Cultural activities and experiences help strengthen us as communities, and we hope everyone who visits can gain a greater understanding and appreciation of different cultures. This event is all about celebrating our vibrant and diverse communities, and we would love for everyone to come along and enjoy what's on offer.”
Kiwi-Indian community members are eagerly waiting to participate at the celebrations. Papatoetoe resident Aakriti Menon told The Indian Weekender, "I look forward to experiencing some colourful performances, cultural music, dance and delicious food from across the globe. It will make me proud to be an Aucklander."