Victoria’s biggest week of culture wrapped up with a crowd-pulling debut—three days of music, food, and celebration at the first-ever Victorian Multicultural Festival, hosted at Grazeland in Spotswood from 21 to 23 March.
Presented by the Victorian Multicultural Commission, the festival marked the finale of Cultural Diversity Week, a statewide celebration that saw communities across Victoria coming together under this year’s theme: Embrace the Journey, Shape our Future.
And embrace it they did. Grazeland morphed into a buzzing global village as thousands turned up to savour flavours from more than 50 food vendors and soak in live performances from artists representing all corners of the world. On the entertainment front, the weekend was jam-packed. Acts like Siesta Cartel, Sorbo Amplio, 155cm and Firefly lit up the stage, pulling the kind of energy you’d expect from a music festival, not a policy-backed community initiative.
Workshops added another dimension, with visitors trying their hand at crafts, dances and traditions from cultures they may never have encountered before. It wasn’t passive entertainment—it was immersive and personal. Many arrived in cultural dress, not as a token, but as a show of solidarity and pride. Grazeland, usually known for its open-air foodie vibes, took on a new identity—an open-air passport to the world.
The food, of course, was a headliner in itself. There was smoky African BBQ from Zuya, tongue-tingling Sri Lankan curries from Colombo, Lebanese favourites via Mr Toum, and for dessert lovers, Toyoki’s cloud-like soufflé pancakes stole the show. Sweet, savoury, spicy, or grilled over charcoal—every plate had a story, and every queue came with conversation.
“The Victorian Multicultural Festival was more than just a gathering—it was a powerful celebration of the traditions, talents and shared experiences that make Victoria such a dynamic and inclusive state”
— Vivienne Nguyen, VMC Chairperson
For many, the weekend wasn’t just a chance to try a new dish or catch a show—it was a space to feel seen. “The Victorian Multicultural Festival was more than just a gathering—it was a powerful celebration of the traditions, talents and shared experiences that make Victoria such a dynamic and inclusive state,” said VMC Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen.
Thousands joined in the celebration, Nguyen said, each one a part of the journey toward a future where, “every culture is valued, and every community belongs.”
For John Forman, director of Grazeland, the event was a natural fit. “We’re thrilled to be home to such a diverse range of vendors offering delicious cuisines from all corners of the world,” he said. “It was an honour to host this year’s Victorian Multicultural Festival and celebrate the vibrant cultures that make our community so special.”
Across three days, the festival didn’t just mirror Victoria’s multicultural identity—it gave it a stage, a soundtrack, and a flavour. No buzzwords, no speeches that went on too long. Just people, music, food and the warmth of shared stories.
And somewhere between the scent of charcoal-grilled meat and the thrum of live percussion, it all came together. Not as a showcase, but as a reminder—this is what Victoria looks like on its best days.
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