Multi-ethnic extravaganza returns to city
A colourful parade celebrating the dozens of cultures and communities who call Taranaki home will take over New Plymouth on March 9.
The Taranaki Multi Ethnic Extravaganza returns for its 19th year next month at the New Plymouth Raceway.
“We have culture, diversity and unity and it is amazing to see all the different cultures come together and work towards this extravaganza year after year,” Natalie Fernandes, Taranaki Multi Ethnic Council secretary, said.
“It is important for us to celebrate our differences in a way that brings us together.”
The extravaganza would start with a parade from the clock tower on Devon St West at 10.30am.
More than 70 groups of people from different countries would walk in their traditional dress carrying their country’s flag.
There would be 77 flags in the parade, and there was always room for more, Fernandes said.
“Taranaki is rich because of all the people, races, cultures and nationalities, as we are all part of a big family.”
After the parade the event at New Plymouth Raceway would feature art and crafts stalls, entertainment, and food - which Fernandes said would be the highlight.
To attend the extravaganza was a gold coin donation, which would help pay for the planning and running of the event.
“We start planning for this event at the beginning of the year, it takes a lot of time and preparation,” treasurer Bevinda Dias said.
Dias said the extravaganza was a great way for migrants to meet people in the region.
Geetha Kutty of Migrant Connections Taranaki said Taranaki was a welcoming place for migrants and there was a consistent flow of people coming into the region, especially for work in oil and gas, healthcare, farming, and hospitality.
“Some of the countries might only have two or three people, like Mozambique.”
They had been able to put on the extravaganza with grants they have received from New Plymouth District Council, Toi Foundation, New Zealand Lottery Grants, and We Care Community Trust.