KALEIDOSCOPE OF CULTURES

Organiser says Multicultural Festival rediscovers its mojo

THE 10th anniversary of the Gold Coast Multicultural Festival was such a strong display of community unity that organisers plan to make it a five-day hooray.

A crowd of more than 24,000 flocked to Broadwater Parklands at the weekend in celebration of the different cultural identities calling the Gold Coast home.

Organiser Ben Brauer said the record turnout was a sign the festival had its mojo back after an administrative blunder forced a scale-back of the event two years ago.

“We’re in a rebuilding phase now and hoping to make it a five-day event next year and host a multicultural mini festival during the Commonwealth Games,” he said.

“The Gold Coast is one of the most multicultural cities and tourists, as much as locals, are embracing that diversity so much that we’re bringing the festival back to its five-day glory.”

International acts including Cuban salsa, Indonesian and Japanese traditional dancers among others, showcased the city’s cultural mix across three stages complemented by about 55 food and arts stalls.

Belly dancer Melissa Dixon said she was impressed in the way the city’s different cultures fitted together.

“There was a real curiosity factor with people coming up to me and asking about belly dancing and where it comes from,” she said.

“People from China, India and the Middle East are talking and sharing experiences, it’s quite amazing to see.

“People from different backgrounds have come together and it breaks down those cultural barriers and celebrates all identities.”

According to a recent population poll, 29 per cent of Gold Coast residents were born overseas, adding their descendants, the figure is more than 40 per cent.

Italian-Australian Fiona Marino said multiculturalism made the city more appealing.

“Where else do you have events that celebrate every culture in such a big way, no wonder we’re the biggest tourism destination,” she said.

“At the end of the day people want to live, visit and work in a city that is inclusive.

“Families, kids and tourists, everyone’s loving it.”

The cracker weather was also a crowd pleaser this weekend and luckily temperatures will stay around 22C for most of the week with the mercury rising to 24C on Friday.

Fiona Macpherson and Dee Thompson presented a colourful, sabre-rattling display.

There was plenty to entertain Sakura Kawashimo, 2, and mum Hina Kawashimo at the Gold Coast Multicultural Festival.

Seharum Nusantara Indonesian dance group members (from left), Dewa Kertanegara, Gofir Baziad and Christy Sukmawati McMillan.

Ivana Dhedadig and Junior Dhedadig were busy in the Bosnian Burn it Up BBQ marquee.

Zulmira Hatcher and Carolin Samara shower pooch Zayley with affection during the festival.

Southport dad Udi Solomon and daughter Chanel, 7, were all smiles at Broadwater Parklands.

Alaysha Lacanlale, 8, Jazmin Enriquez, 11, and Felicity Enriquez, 9, enjoyed every minute of the festival.

With everything going on around him Soloman Tefatoya, 7, had eyes only for his fairy floss.