Community
11 October, 2024
Multicultural celebration
FROM a Chinese Dragon and firecrackers through to traditional dancing and a range of culinary delights, last weekend’s Multicultural Festival didn’t disappoint.
Thousands of people of all ages braved the cool weather on Saturday to celebrate and explore the diverse range of cultures that make Warrnambool such a vibrant and colourful place to live and visit.
Members of the Bendigo Chinese Association wowed the crowds with their roving Lion Dance and drumming team as they made their way down Liebig Street.
The 40-metre long Gwong Loong Dragon, manned by eight Bendigo volunteers and 10 from Warrnambool, proved a big crowd pleaser as its snaked through the Civic Green.
The dragon was accompanied by lively Lion dancers and firecracker explosions.
“The collaboration between Warrnambool locals and the Bendigo performers was a great testament to the community spirit in what is the Year of the Dragon,” organiser Daisy Ye said.
“We had a record-breaking turnout which was so heart warming to see and I thank everyone who took part and who came along and supported the event.
“It truly was a day to remember, with Warrnambool coming together to celebrate multiculturalism in full force.”
The festival kicked off with an electrifying performance of the Ati-Atihan Filipino Dance and Drumming, which featured a powerful female warrior dance.
This performance, a collaboration between Filipino communities from Warrnambool and Gippsland, marked the first-ever showing of its kind in Victoria and set the tone for a day filled with cultural pride.
“This year also saw the introduction of interactive workshops, where attendees had the chance to engage directly with artists and try their hand at cultural activities,” Miss Ye said.
“These workshops were a hit, giving people the opportunity to immerse themselves in the diverse cultures represented at the festival.”
