Pako Festa returns to its best

ALL the traditional colour and movement of Pako Festa stepped out on Saturday as the festival made a triumphant return to its usual street format.

Organised by Cultura, the event is Victoria’s largest free multi-arts and cultural party, and highlights the extraordinary contribution of individuals, cultural groups and multicultural communities in Geelong and across Australia.

About 2,000 people from 40 different multicultural groups marched along the northern end of Pakington Street in the one-hour street parade.

A huge variety of food and information stalls was on offer, and entertainment was presented throughout the day on six different stages.

The crowd had to endure occasional bursts of rain, but Cultura estimates close to 100,000 people attended Pako Festa over the course of Saturday.

Organisers are inviting attendees to tell them what they thought about Pako Festa 2023, and are asking people to share their experience of the event via a short survey.

The feedback will help Cultura to understand and measure the impact of the event.

For more information, head to the Pako Festa page on Facebook.