Pako Festa to celebrate culture

CULTURA’S signature event Pako Festa is Victoria’s largest free multicultural street festival, celebrating Geelong’s diversity through the magic of food, dance, and music along Pakington Street in Geelong West.

Since its establishment in 1983, Pako Festa has become a major highlight on the events calendar, bringing people together to experience a rich cultural tapestry.

This year is set to be bigger and better with some new surprises thrown into the mix.

On February 22, Pakington Street will again be transformed into a vibrant street party, welcoming everyone to join in the free festivities.

The aroma of authentic food from around the globe will fill the air as more than 26 local community groups serve up delicious traditional dishes. From Brazilian traditional barbecue to the ever-popular Filipino Inihaw (pork skewers), a festival favourite since the very first event 43 years ago, the celebration of culture through food remains a key part of the festival’s charm.

 

The street will be lined with food vans, cafés, and pop-up stalls, offering visitors a unique opportunity to taste flavours from different corners of the world.

One of the festival’s biggest attractions, the Pako Festa Street Parade, will start at 11am, filling the street with a dazzling display of colour, music, and cultural pride.

Community groups, schools, and bands will take to the streets in a spectacular procession, marching with pride along a 1km stretch from Waratah to Autumn Street. The energy, passion, and vibrancy of the parade makes it an unmissable part of the day, bringing together generations to celebrate their cultural heritage.

From 12.30pm, the event stage program will feature more than 40 performances across five outdoor stages, with live music, cultural dance, and entertainment showcasing the diversity of the region.

 

Visitors can also explore the Global Craft Market at the Geelong West Town Hall, where handcrafted cultural items and free interactive workshops will be available from 12 noon to 5pm.

Throughout the festival, chill-out zones like the Barwon Water Chill Out Zone and the Adroit Chill Out Zone will offer spaces to relax, enjoy family-friendly activities, and soak up the lively atmosphere.

Cultura chief executive officer Joy Leggo said Cultura’s Pako Festa is a celebration of cultural cohesion and harmony.

“We are so proud to host this hallmark event as it is one of the most renowned celebrations of human connection and cultural expression across Australia and we are so lucky to have it right here in Geelong.

 

“For 43 years, we have set the scene and provided a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment where people from all backgrounds can share their traditions, food, and stories.”

Ms Leggo said this major event was produced by Cultura and supported by local and state government, and continues to be a shining example of community spirit and multiculturalism in Geelong.

“A huge thank you to our major partners, The Gordon, TAC, GravIT, Barwon Water, WorkSafe, Adroit Insurance and Risk, and Unified Technology along with all Pakington Street Business and other community partners. Most importantly, our local diverse communities, who are the heart and soul of Pako Festa.”

The festival will run from 9am until 5pm.

For more information, head to pakofesta.com.au

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