The Syro Malabar Catholic Mission of Auckland (SMC) has organised a day of food and fun at the Malaeola Samoan Convention Centre in Mangere on Saturday, April 22. The Annual festival is expected to be attended by more than 5000 people that commence from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
The Auckland Syro Malabar Catholic Mission Inc. started as a community in 2006 with 40 families, which have now grown now close to 300 families and individual members; mainly, from the southern part of Kerala, India.
‘Fun and Food Extravaganza’ is the second food fest organised by the SMC after the huge success of the event in its inaugural year in 2016. Last year the event attracted approximately 4000 people from different parts of Auckland. People from various communities including Kiwi, Pacific and South East Asia visit the food extravaganza.
This year’s food fest will include cuisine treats from various parts of India, Philippines, Samoa, New Zealand and much more. This festival is an opportunity for the food lovers to give try new cuisines from India and different countries.
Besides food, an entertainment programme is also planned for the day to keep the visitors glued to the venue. Musical and dance performances will be given by different ethnic groups to highlight the multicultural society of Auckland. There will also be activities for the children such as quiz contests, fun rides, bouncy castles, etc.
The purpose of this event is not just to serve different cuisines to the food enthusiasts but also to raise funds and use it towards the betterment of the community. The funds generated through sales, sponsorships and donations at the food fest will be used to build a centre for the children and the youth of the community.
“Last year we had people came from Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton and Rotorua and this year the arrangements have been made to cater more than 5,000 people at the event,” Joby Cyriac, project convener of Fun and Food Extravaganza 2017 said.