PAKO FESTA PACKED TO THE RAFTERS
PAKO was packed way ahead of the parade on Saturday morning.
The main thoroughfare, blocked to traffic for the annual Pako Festa, saw crowds in position early. Some like little Ellie Yates, 3, of Highton, used the time before the parade to catch some shut-eye so she’d be ready once the action started. Others used the time to grab some Greek or Iranian or Slovenian pastries, a coffee and a chat to friends.
People lined the roadway, most standing, some cross-legged on blankets; while others lucky enough to nab cafe tables and chairs looked in no hurry to relinquish their comfy positions.
And then the parade got under way; a spectacle of humanity. Dancing, singing, ca- vorting, somersaulting, waving, twirling, riding, drumming, strumming and tootling, along the road.
It was a spectacle of colour, a heartwarming extravaganza of people drawn from our community, proudly putting on their costume, whether that was the woven rush wraps worn by the Tongans, the embroidered sashes and mirrored headdresses of the Croatians, or the Lycra of the dance school students.
Some of the people in the parade carried framed photos of identities important to them, others wielded wooden swords or offerings of food for their gods, while there were those who threw lollies, balls or teddies to the children in the crowd.
Music came from piano accordions, bamboo clackers, castanets, didgeridoos, brass instruments, drums and stringed instruments in different shapes. Sometimes a helper wheeled a portable amplifier behind the group.
After the parade there was an abundance of things to do and see.
The food options were endless with stall holders happy to chat about ingredients and pronunciations. There were workshops in dance of all sorts and drumming and gardening. Displays and exhibitions continued throughout the day.
Live music was played, groups performed and the weather was perfect.
In addition to the events planned, there was an organic feel to the day, with spontaneous eruptions of dancing as people just seemed to not be able to help themselves.
Pako Festa brings out the best in people, this reporter found, with the spirit of worldwide neighbourliness (all that culture butting up against each other) spilling into the interactions on a personal level as strangers mingled and chatted.