Dahlia & Arts ‘Fiesta’ coincides with Frida Kahlo opening

THE close-knit Eaglehawk community is gearing up for a huge few days of festivities across the weekend of 14 to 16 March as it celebrates the 52nd Dahlia and Arts Festival.

The first festival was held in March 1972, with a plaque commemorating its official launch by Major General Sir Rohan Delacombe still in place outside the former Eaglehawk Town Hall.

This year’s theme – Fiesta – coincides with the opening of the Frida Kahlo: In her own image exhibition at Bendigo Art Gallery, with the dahlia the national flower of the renowned artist’s home country, Mexico, and often a detail that appeared in her work.

A traditional feature of the weekend is the Eaglebald Art Award, which this year includes the inaugural Recycled Sculpture Award.

Prizes will also be given for the portrait, open/fiesta-themed, year 7 to 12, and preschool to grade 6 categories.

Saturday’s events include the Festival of Friendship in Canterbury Gardens from 10am to midday, with food trucks, an art and craft market plus children’s rides.

A gala parade along High Street will follow, which Eaglehawk Festivals Inc secretary Shae Hellstedt said “is always a highlight”.

She said several school groups will appear on floats, and Mexican dancers, an inflatable Day of the Dead and the Chinese association with its dragon team will also participate.

“(It’s) my favourite thing of the whole weekend,” Ms Hellstedt said.

“You tear up with pride for the community all coming together and doing such an amazing job.

“There’s not as many community-run parades as there might have once been, so get along because it’s going to be an amazing, vibrant celebration of colour, creativity, culture and community.”

The festival concludes on the Sunday with a free family fun day in Canterbury Park.

For the full schedule, visit the Eaglehawk Festivals website at eaglehawkfestivals.com.au/dahlia-and-arts.