It will look different to what the community has seen before, but organisers are looking forward to a “reimagined” Pako Festa tomorrow.
The celebration of Geelong’s cultural diversity will move from Pakington Street to the Northern Community Hub in Norlane on Saturday, February 26.
Event director Luisa La Fornara said she was looking forward to seeing the return of the event, which was impacted by the pandemic.
“It’s been one of the most challenging events to plan … [and] restrictions changed too late to have a Pako Festa in Pako like normal,” she said.
“We wanted to do it in Pako and that’s the dream that we’ll be able to go back in 2023, but we pride ourselves on being a safe event and this was how we could manage that.
“But the reimagined format allows for some new opportunities that we normally wouldn’t have.”
Ms La Fornara said there would be 17 food stalls and 22 groups representing Geelong’s diverse communities in the annual parade.
“Last year we did a global food celebration over 14 sites in the suburbs and this year we’re doing the same thing but in one location,” she said.
“It’s the 40th Pako Festa and going through some of the history, we found they used to parade on stage as well as on the street, so we’ll have a catwalk this year.
“That’s one of the new opportunities – there’s some people that are really excited to get on the catwalk, because the street parade is a bit long for them.”
Ms La Fornara said she hoped to see the community get behind the event.
“It’s not a normal Pako Festa but the core of what Pako Festa is there – it’s a celebration of cultural diversity and breaking down those barriers,” she said.
“We want to see the community in the outdoor dining space trying out the diverse food, and enjoying the poetry, tours, film screenings and entertainment.
“It’s the major annual fundraiser for these diverse communities and plays an important role in preserving their culture, so hopefully it will be a great day.
“We’re really excited.”
Pako Festa runs from 10am to 5pm. All attendees need to provide proof of vaccination.
Details: pakofesta.com.au
Ash Bolt
