Celebrate the rich diversity of ethnicities found in Tāmaki Makaurau at Auckland Council’s World of Cultures, taking place between 18 March and 3 April 2022.
This vibrant festival might be smaller than previous years – for obvious reasons – but it still promises a multiplicity of sights and sounds, workshops and lectures, as well as tantalising flavours and aromas, all weaving together to lift the spirits.
With more than 100 activities taking place over 17 days, World of Cultures is all about food, performing arts and knowledge-sharing, with the wider aim of fostering tolerance and understanding.
Performing arts
Dance classes, performances, musical events, workshops - the festival features a veritable smorgasbord of treats for those who wish to move and be moved.
Ōtara’s Around the World celebration, 18 March, 10am-2pm - offering demonstrations of cultural costumes from South East Asia, China, Africa, India and Korea, with cultural foods, stalls and performances. Papatoetoe will also host an Around the World event, 2 April, 10am-2pm, with participants from South East Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the Pacific.
Stars of Pasifika Poetry, 24 March, 7-9pm - a free Facebook event that’s the brainchild of Te Atatū Peninsula Library, featuring a stellar line-up of poets and performers.
Free Belly Dance Classes from 24 March - led by Phoenix Belly Dance to be taught in seven Auckland locations. Participants will be guided in this mesmerising Middle Eastern dance style, with contemporary concepts fused with more traditional techniques.
Let’s not forget one of the most thrilling performances on Earth - football. Because on Saturday, 3 April, 9am-4pm, the World of Cultures FootballFest title will be contested at Mount Roskill War Memorial Park on May Road, promising some of the most exhilarating sporting action this side of the FIFA World Cup.
Food
With flavours guaranteed to make your mouth water, events include:
Learn to make dumplings, 23 March, 11am-12pm - a Facebook event courtesy of Auckland Libraries.
For a real-life food event, rock on down to Neighbours Day Kai Connection, a tasty pop up at Oranga Community Centre in Onehunga, four events from 18 – 25 March. The focus will be on connecting people through food with demonstrations of delicious ethnic cuisines, culminating in a shared communal lunch. Yum!
Knowledge
If you want to learn something new, here’s your chance. Maybe you want to try tai chi or get to grips with a new artform or craft style, because there are workshops in everything from harakeke (flax) weaving and Niuean weaving to Pasifika laser-cut earrings, not to mention Bollywood dance, zumba and belly dancing.
Visit worldofcultures.co.nz to learn more, or for the latest updates go to the Facebook page.
A My Vaccine Pass is required at all events for those aged 12 and over.
