Pako comes alive with world cultures

THE traditions of Geelong’s increasingly diverse multicultural community were paraded down Pakington Street on Saturday for the 38th annual Pako Festa.

Every year since its inception, Diversitat has gathered together thousands of people from all walks of life for the biggest celebration of Geelong’s dynamic population.

Event director Luisa La Fornara said about 2,500 people participated in this year’s parade, and a further 100,000 were in attendance on the day.

“It was amazing. We were so lucky with the weather – it was just perfect. The audiences were amazing and the atmosphere electric. Every year is just magic.

“What gets bigger (each year) is the number of people from each community. We’ve got some amazing plans in place for our 40th birthday.”

The City of Greater Geelong has supported the event for about 19 years, with the council contributing $100,000 to this year’s festivities.

This funding amount will be granted again in 2021 and 2022 as part of the city’s three-year commitment through its Community Events Fund.