Craving a cultural experience that normally requires getting on a plane?
While COVID-19 has played havoc with travel plans and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future, you can now get the thrill of exploring new cultures without leaving home.
Auckland’s vibrant cultures are being celebrated this month with Auckland Council's inaugural World of Cultures festival, successor to the Auckland International Cultural Festival.
The new 10-day festival was created after feedback from multiple communities called for a longer celebration of cultural inclusivity that was more accessible to all Aucklanders.
With something happening every day of the festival (over 80 free events over the 10 days) there is plenty to whet the cultural appetite.
Kicking off this year’s festival is the multicultural food market. Explore various types of breakfast food on your way into the office or university, or duck down for lunch. Try Thai congee, Japanese Takoyaki or Spanish Pisto as you explore what breakfast is like in other parts of the world.
- Takutai Square, Britomart
- Thursday 18 March 2021
- 7.30am–1.30pm
Signature Events in the community
World of Cultures has more than 80 events in Auckland Council Community Centres across Tāmaki Makaurau. Here are four signature events that will have you excited to head out on a cultural adventure.
Mini World of Culture Festival
Head out west for a small taste of the whole festival this Friday. Take the family for a taste of international food and music. Enjoy performances from the likes of Cook Island dance group Te Riri o Te o and a traditional Chinese Fan Dancing troupe. Stay until after the sun goes down and be amazed at the skills of Siva Afi, otherwise known as Samoan Knife Fire Dancing.
- Te Atatū Peninsula Community Centre
- 19 March 2021
- 5pm–8pm
Multicultural Concert
For the opportunity to enjoy performances by many multicultural groups, head to Onehunga for the multicultural concert. Experience Cambodian, Chinese, Korean and Tamil performances. Guaranteed to be full of fun, colourful and beautiful traditional dances, there will also be K-Pop Academy Performance as well which is sure to get you up and grooving.
- Onehunga Community Centre
- 20 March 2021
- 10am – 2pm
Nowruz Festival / Persian New Year
Nowruz is a key celebration in Iran and Afghanistan as well as other parts of the Middle East. Meaning “new day” Nowruz occurs on the first day of spring and celebrates the renewal of nature.
Join our Persian Aucklanders in the city centre for the celebrations, which include folk dancing, music, food and craft.
- Ellen Melville Centre, Freyberg Square
- 21 March 2021
- 3pm–6pm
CultureFest
World of Cultures closes out with a spectacular one-day celebration of over 60 cultures who call Tāmaki Makaurau home. CultureFest brings food, cultural dress, performances, art, and opportunities to learn something new all together in one place.
This whānau friendly event is a great opportunity to dance, eat and celebrate everything that makes Tāmaki Makaurau an incredible place to live.
- War Memorial Park, Mt Roskill
- Sunday 28 March 2021
- 10am–5pm
For more information about all of the 80 World of Culture events, head to thecentre.co.nz or facebook.com/aklworldofcultures
