Geelong’s Pako Festa, held on 22 February 2025, once again showcased the city’s rich cultural diversity, drawing thousands to Pakington Street. Organised by Cultura, this annual festival is renowned as Victoria’s largest free celebration of cultural diversity. The event transformed the area into a vibrant hub of music, dance and cuisine, with an estimated 70,000 attendees immersing themselves in the festivities.
The parade set the tone for the day, with more than 50 floats and over 2,000 participants showcasing traditional dress, music and dance from a variety of backgrounds. Spectators filled the streets to take in the vibrant display of colours and movement, with each community proudly representing their heritage.
Food was another major attraction, with over 25 cultural groups offering traditional dishes. The mix of aromas drifting through the air reflected the diversity on display, as festival-goers sampled everything from Brazilian BBQ to Filipino pork skewers. The Indian community’s presence was particularly strong, with stalls serving up favourites like samosas and jalebis, drawing long queues of eager customers.
Temperatures climbed as the day progressed, with the mercury reaching 34 degrees by early afternoon and forecasts predicting a peak of 39 degrees. The heatwave forced organisers to wrap up the event earlier than planned, ending festivities at 2pm. Despite the early closure, spirits remained high, with attendees making the most of the time available.
The festival’s stages were packed with performances throughout the day. ‘Punjabi Swag Geelong’ delivered a crowd-pleasing display of Punjabi dance, their high-energy routine earning loud cheers. Across the event, traditional Indian attire was a striking feature, with many participants in sarees and turbans adding to the spectacle of the parade.
Federal Member for Corangamite, Libby Coker, was among those who joined in the celebrations. She shared her enthusiasm on social media, praising the festival as a showcase of Geelong’s diversity and congratulating Cultura and all those involved. Photos from the event captured her meeting with members of the Indian community, dressed in traditional outfits, reflecting the strong representation of South Asian culture at the festival.
While some scheduled performances had to be cancelled due to the heat, organisers are considering hosting a separate event later in the year to give affected groups a platform. Even with the unexpected early wrap-up, Pako Festa 2025 delivered another memorable celebration of the city’s multicultural identity.
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