A True Community Event Encapsulating the very essence of our nation – diversity, dynamism and colorfulness, and above all else cooperation, community inter-connectedness, creativity and the promotion of our humanity – Pako Festa sends a strong message in these troubled times in which we live: our preparedness to interact with, work with and treat each other with dignity and respect demolishes the walls of division and conflicts; bringing everyone together in a spirit of understanding, acceptance and celebration of life itself.

Pako Festa has always been an opportunity for communities to come together and show their support of each other and after 31 years, we thank members of the following communities who haven’t missed a year of the fun - Croatia, Holland, the Philippines, Greece, Germany, Scotland, Poland, Lithuania, China, Italy, Spain, Macedonia, Slovenia, Serbia, Wales and Ukraine.

Message from the Mayor

The City of Greater Geelong is proud to host Pako Festa, Victoria’s largest multicultural festival.

Pako Festa is Greater Geelong’s much loved celebration of cultural diversity, attracting more than 100,000 people each year.

People from all walks of life enjoy the festival, as it truly encapsulates multiculturalism in our city.

There is an array of cultural food, folk dancing, market stalls, exhibitions, non-stop activities held across five stages, as well as the iconic street parade, that transforms Pakington Street into a lively jam packed festival.

Pako Festa lets people discover new traditions in a fun and practical way, opening the doors to new cultures and customs.

Congratulations to Diversitat and everyone involved in organising this fantastic event. I encourage you to take part in the wide variety of activities and have a great day at Pako Festa!

Cr Keith Fagg Mayor, City of Greater Geelong

Message from the Premier

I am delighted to have this opportunity to send greetings to everyone coming along to the 2013 Geelong Pako Festa, and offer my congratulations to those who have made such a great effort to bring about this much-loved event.

The Pako Festa is one of the largest free celebrations of Australia’s cultural diversity, encouraging visitors to enjoy its festivities in a spirit of understanding and harmony. It is fitting that such an event should be held here in Victoria, where we are all proud of our multicultural identity and our shared commitment to social unity.

For the last 30 years, this event has drawn thousands of Victorians together to celebrate and enjoy a whole host of entertainment highlights, and this year the Festa promises to be bigger and better than ever as it turns 31.With a lively street parade, and a great variety of food, music and cultural traditions to be enjoyed, this festival truly offers something for everyone.

The Festa also showcases many of the cultural and community groups, artists and small businesses that contribute so greatly to Victoria and enrich the cultural fabric of our State. In particular, it is an excellent opportunity to get to know the work of local artisans from Geelong and its surrounding areas.

The Pako Festa has inspired other community groups throughout Victoria to organise and take part in their own events promoting cultural unity, and on behalf of the Victorian Government I congratulate everyone involved, past and present, on such a successful festival.

Above all, I wish everyone – whether you’re from Geelong, or you’ve travelled to be here – an outstanding day at the 2013 Pako Festa.

Ted Baillieu MLA Premier

In 2012 30 communities were represented in the parade and on stage

Afghan Bosnian Bulgarian Chinese Congolese Croatian Dutch Filipino French Greek Hungarian Indonesian

Indian Iranian Italian Karen Karenni Liberian Lithuanian Macedonian Maori Mexican Polish Scottish

Serbian Slovenian Spanish Sudanese Thai Ukrainian Welsh Zimbabwean

Additionally 20 communities will have a food stalls selling their cultural cuisine. The Filipino, Indonesian, Irish, Italian, Polish, Ukrainian, Welsh, Chinese, Macedonian, Iranian, Croatian, Indian, Greek, Maori, Slovak and Serbian communities will tantalise your tastebuds with food from far and wide.

Pako Festa is pleased to be an “access-friendly” event. Working in conjunction with the Geelong Region’s Inclusive Events Planning Group, we provide activities and services for people of all abilities, and from every part of our community. Our thanks go to all who work so hard to make this day possible.

Pako Festa would like to thank the following community members whom without, Pako Festa would not be what it is today.

Jordan Mavros - former CEO Claire Nontapan - former Staff Anne Ekkel - former Staff Anne Patterson - former Pako Festa Coordinator Margaret Lewis - former Battle of the Bands organizer Frank De Stefano - past President Mardi Janetzki - former Staff Ana Vrantsis - former Staff

Sofia Saba - former Migrant Resource Centre Coordinator Toni Siketa - Staff David O’Brien - former president, secretary and treasurer of Geelong West Traders Association Strecko Kontelj - past President George Ballas - past President Maryanne Burstow - former Migrant Resource Centre Coordinator

 

For more information contact:
Luisa La Fornara, Arts & Events Manager, Diversitat Ph: 5221 6044
Email: luisa.lafornara@diversitat.org.au