Geelong’s beloved multicultural festival Pako Festa was named the state’s best regional event at the 2024 Australian Event Awards.
The 2024 edition of the festival, run by Cultura, was recognised at the awards ceremony in Sydney on Wednesday, October 23.
The winner of the Best Regional Event in Victoria, Pako Festa was also a finalist in the national award of the same category, which was won by Northern Territory’s Parrtjima – A Festival in Light, which also won the nation’s Best Tourism Event and NT’s Best Cultural, Arts or Music Event.
Cultura chief executive Joy Leggo said the achievement was quite humbling.
“What a proud milestone this is for Cultura, and for Geelong,” Ms Leggo said.
“To have reached national finalist level and be announced as the state winner is a wonderful feather in our cap. I am honoured to accept this incredible award on behalf of Cultura.
“Over four decades, Pako Festa continues to be a shining light for celebrating cultural harmony and cohesion.”
Pako Festa, Australia’s largest free multicultural street festival, celebrated its 42nd year in February.
Attracting nearly 100,000 people, the event brings together people from Geelong’s many and diverse backgrounds to share their cultures in a day of music, colour, food and dance.
Ms Leggo thanked the local diverse communities who “truly are the heart and soul of Pako Festa”.
“Pako Festa is accessible to all who want to share the enriching experience of Australian multiculturalism, with almost 100,000 visitors contributing to the community cohesion needed so much in today’s world,” she said.
“It is all about celebrating, preserving and showcasing culture in order to break down racial barriers.”
Cultura board director Gerald De Stefano said he was “incredibly proud” his organisation had won such an “extremely competitive” award.
“I cannot name everyone involved in orchestrating an event of this size, so on behalf of the board I would like to thank our incredibly talented event director, Luisa La Fornara and her team as well as all our Cultura Pako Festa staff and event volunteers for working tirelessly behind the scenes to create this magic,” he said.
