VICTORIA’S BIGGEST FREE CELEBRATION OF CULTURAL DIVERSITY

ONE STREET.  43 CULTURES.

Street Parade / Food / Performance/ Workshops /Exhibitions /Family

A FREE COMMUNITY EVENT 

Photo taken by Phil Hines

THE PAKO STORY

Pako Festa dates back to 1983, when the Ethnic Communities Council Inc. got together with Geelong West Traders and Geelong West City Council with an ambitious idea for a community-driven party that celebrated the region’s diverse cultural communities.

Much has changed since 1983. The very first Pako attracted 12,000 people and ended with a tug of war! In 2019, over 100,000 people attended, 2,000 people took part in the street parade and 10,000 people performed on five stages.

These days the festival is organised by Diversitat and has grown into Victoria’s largest free multi-arts and cultural party. Some things remain the same. Pako is about community and is led by community. The event celebrates and highlights the extraordinary contribution of individuals, cultural groups and multicultural communities in Geelong and across Australia.

Join us at this year’s Pako and share in the enriching connections of culture.

 

Elements of Culture Photographic Project

As part of Pako Festa 2020 we are excited to launch a project that reflects the rich diversity we have right here on our doorstep.

This photographic project pays tribute to the important contribution our local diverse communities have made to the success of Pako Festa over its 38 years. The project will capture up to 40 cultures over the next two years as we move closer to Pako Festa’s 40th Birthday.

We thank the communities for sharing, preserving and teaching us more and more each year about cultural diversity. Pako Festa offers a unique experience via diverse food, music, dance and through this project we will all discover further the traditions and important elements of cultural.

Geelong photographer Chrissie Francis was commissioned to capture images that reflect Geelong’s rich and diverse community, elements of culture and most importantly a level of pride in each portrait.

All Photo Credits: Chrissie Francis

Makeup and Hair by Tahnee Powell from Make & Do

You can view all twelve portraits below – click on a portrait to view the full image: