It’s Multicultural March, and that can mean just one thing: Parramasala is back in town. Now in its eighth year, this festival of art, entertainment, and food celebrates the rich tapestry of world cultures that make-up Sydney’s diverse multicultural community.
What’s more, this year its global reach is greater than ever before, with more than 40 different cultural heritages showcased in an inclusive, friendly and dynamic weekend.
Headlining this year’s event will be Grammy Award-winning North African rockers Tinariwen, bringing their unique sound and electric stage presence from the Saharan Desert. They’ll play alongside Grammy-nominated future-soul quartet Hiatus Kaiyote on the main festival stage.
Kicking off the proceedings will be Parramasala’s annual Welcome Parade, winding its way from Parramatta Town Hall to Prince Alfred Square. This colourful procession will be met by Elders of the Burramatta peoples for a traditional welcome to country from Australia’s most ancient culture.
And alongside those ancient heritages will also be a celebration of pop-culture from around the world, including the Dreamgirls of Bollywood. Capturing the thrill and spectacle of the Indian film industry’s vibrant approach to cinema, this performance is a salute to the dance, music, and breathtaking costuming of quintessential Bollywood.
The dancing doesn’t stop there, as the Masala Nights World Dance Congress delivers an evening of movement from around the globe, including tango, samba, salsa, flamenco, khattak and more.
But the good folks at Parramasala understand that all this merry-making is bound to give you an appetite, and there’s no better place to fuel up than at the festival's Market Street. Get dinner and a show as you sample street cuisine from around the world to a soundtrack of street music. Winners of Channel Nine's Family Food Fight, the Shahrouk Sisters, will also be making an exclusive appearance with a live demonstration of their incredible Middle Eastern cooking skills.
Parramasala warps up on Sunday 11 Mar with a night of hip hop and RnB from 30/70 and New Zealand outfit Ladi6.
Parramasala runs 9 — 11 Mar at Prince Alfred Square, Parramatta
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