Geelong lights up in Latin American Christmas celebration

CANDLES and lanterns will illuminate Norlane ARC on December 6 for the Velitas y Farolitos Festival.

The vibrant cultural event is inspired by Latin American traditions and celebrates the beginning of the Christmas season.

Held by the Geelong Latin American Movement Inc (GLAM), the annual event brings together community members of all ages to participate in light displays, music, dance, food stalls and cultural performances.

Event organiser Elly Lopez said the festival fosters a sense of community, joy and hope and one of its goals is to promote

cultural heritage.

“To showcase and celebrate Latin American cultural traditions, especially those linked to the Christmas season.

“[It is] a time to be in community, without religion, borders or skin colour, time to reflect how lucky we are to be in Australia, in multicultural Geelong and be in peace with your own soul.”

Another aim of the festival is to strengthen community bonds and create a welcoming environment where diverse groups can connect, share experiences, and enjoy collective festivities.

As part of this year’s event, a candle and lantern lighting ceremony will be held, alongside a live Latin American Band, dance performances, artisan and food markets and children’s workshops.

Lopez said a highlight of the night will be singing to the Tree of Life by Indigenous musical ensemble Abyanama.

“GLAM decided to make the festival indoors, have a real tree inside the Norlane ARC for the ceremony of the tree to be done the way it should be.

“The indigenous people will sing to the tree of life, in that moment, the tree will be illuminated, marking the new year and the blessing from mother earth.

The Velitas y Farolitos Festival is being delivered with the help of a City of Greater Geelong Grant.

The festival is one of eight recipients of the new Christmas category for the 2025/26 Community Events Grants program.

For tickets and more information, head to eventbrite.com.au