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The White Hat Guide to Ethnic, Religious & Multicultural Festivals in Melbourne and Victoria
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Jhankar: A taste of India
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Come and see Anderson Park transform into a cultural wonderland with Jhankar.
Jhankar, the translation meaning 'musical chime', will feature an array of
traditional Indian music and dance along with contemporary Bollywood
performances.
Concert goers are invited to soak up all this fantastic afternoon will have
to offer. Take part in a dance workshop, watch the kids participate in a
traditional Indian game, or get your very own temporary Henna tattoo. Be swept
away by the rhythmic melodies, colour and atmosphere of this event. The City of
Boroondara would like to thank the Rajasthai Kutumb of Victoria who assisted in
planning this wonderful celebration of Indian tradition and culture.
(These events may be cancelled in the case of extreme wet weather or heat.
Please call 0411 199 122 on the day of the event for up to date information.) |
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Anderson Park, Hawthorn East
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Enquiries: (03) 9278 4770 |
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Anatolian Culture and Arts Festival
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The taste of Anatolia comes alive once again at the Federation Square, Melbourne on 4-5 February 2012. The event will include live concerts from international and local artists, live art exhibitions, folk dances, whirling dervishes, oil wrestling, and replicas of Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, Ottoman and Seljuk gates and the most popular Trojan Horse. It is an event for the whole family and everyone is invited. Come and join us celebrate the Anatolian Festival with exotic cuisines from the Anatolian kitchen. Istanbul Culture and Arts Centre in collaboration with Melbourne International Business Association invites all Melbournians and to participate in this family event that attracts more than 50,000 visitors. |
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Timor-Leste Festival
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Celebrate the diversity and rich culture of the East Timorese people with the third annual Timor-Leste Culture and Food Festival. Featuring traditional dance, music, and Timorese inspired food. |
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Egyptian Festival
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Melbourne's Egyptian Community will clebrate the culture and food of Egypt in the surroundings of the Queen Victoria Market. |
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Our listing of
Festivals in Melbourne is widely recognised as the most comprehensive listing of festivals in
Melbourne and Victoria available online or in print. No listing however is
complete, and thus this listing does not contain festivals which have
chosen not to
contact us with their current details.
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Sell your products online on White Hat
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comprehensive listing of markets in Victoria and has thousands of
visitors a day. Why not sell your product online direct to these
customers?
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Country Victoria
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10th Biennial Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Show & Cultural Festival 2011
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The richness and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia will be on display at the Biennial Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Show and Cultural Festival |
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September 2013 ? |
St Aidans, 11 Ruthven St, Corinda
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National Celtic Festival
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Celebrating the culture of the Irish, Welsh, Scottish, Cornish and other Celtic peoples with music, food, literature, theatre, dance, art and craft |
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9th to 11th June 2012 (tbc) |
Portarlington
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Enquiries: (03) 5241 2499 |
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Click on a festival link to the right of the map. Use the controls to zoom in or out on the map or change to satellite view.
Forthcoming Events
These events are ones which have run in the past and we expect to run in the future. As yet we do not have confirmed details, dates and contact details. To be informed of those details when they become available you can subscribe to our newsletter "Great things to do in Melbourne".
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Annual Thai Culture and Food Festival - Songkran
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Come and join the Thai Community celebrate Thai New Year. |
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Springvale Lunar New Year Festival
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Organised by the Springvale Asian Business Association, and supported by the City of Greater Dandenong, the Lunar New Year Festival features a variety of traditional events and activities for all, including: Lion and dragon dances; Martial arts displays; Vietnamese and Khmer folk dancing; Fire crackers; Asian food stalls; Games and rides; Children’s magic shows;Activities for all the family. |
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January 2012 ? |
Cnr. Buckingham & Belmoral Aves, Springvale |
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Osaka Festival
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Take part in a traditional tea ceremony, try on a kimono or enjoy interactive Japanese dancing and music. Fun for the entire family with children’s activities and games as well as a chance to experience the taste of Osaka with traditional foods on offer. This year’s festival will see an eclectic blend of traditional and contemporary Japanese music and culture. With special thanks to the Japan Club of Victoria. |
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Blessing of the Waters
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The traditional ceremony of Blessing of the Waters which includes the ritual of young people diving into the waters to retrieve a crucifix. |
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Dutch Orange Day
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An annual celebration of Dutch Orange Day |
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Buddha's Day Multicultural Festival
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The 17th annual Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival at Federation Square celebrates the Buddha’s Birthday and Melbourne’s distinct inclusive and culturally diverse community.
Victoria’s largest Buddhist festival features Buddhist traditions, ceremonies, events and activities for all ages. |
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Kellybrook Winery Cider Festival
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Celebrating cider and all things from the west of England. Morris dancers, folk music, ploughman and squatters lunches. Sales and tastings of fresh apple juice, cider and scrumpy and information on making your own cider. |
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April 2012 ? |
Fulford Road, Wonga Park |
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Holland International Festival
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The Annual Dutch Festival celebrates all things Dutch and associated with Holland and has stalls, entertainment and activities. |
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February 2012 ? |
Sandown Racecourse, Springvale |
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Chahar Shanbeh Soori (Festival of Fire)
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Norooz - Iraninan New Year - is celebrated around the 19th of March every year. On the Tuesday night before New Year we picnic and jump over bonfires to celebrate the coming of Spring in Iran. |
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March 2012 ? |
Ruffey Lake Park (George Park), Doncaster |
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Quang Minh Temple Festival
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An evening festival with food, performances and celebrations to celebrate the Vietnamese New Year. The temple stands on an impressive site overlooking the Maribyrnong River valley below. |
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February 2012 ? |
Quang Minh Temple, 18 Burke Street, Braybrook |
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Walk Through Bethlehem
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A living display of life in a small town at the time Jesus’ birth. See spinners, blacksmiths, potters, bakers and all types of domestic and farm animals. The streets are patrolled by Centurions and guards watch over the palace of King Herod. The Three Kings are there with their camels and gifts, to visit the stable with Mary, Joseph and their baby, Jesus. Please note: this much admired event will not take place in 2010 due to the school's building program, but is expected to return at Christmas 2011. |
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December 2012 |
St. Mary's School, cnr. High St. & Mansfield St. Thornbury |
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Victoria Street Lunar New Years Festival
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Celebrate the Lunar New Year at this festival on Victoria Street. Enjoy the sights, smells, sounds and tastes of traditional and contemporary Vietnamese culture. Two stages featuring Chinese and Vietnamese Opera, Karaoke, fashion parades and bands. |
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January 2013 ? |
Victoria Street (between Hoddle & Church Streets), Richmond |
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Full Moon Festival
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The traditional Vietnamese children's lantern festival. |
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Hispanic Latin American Festival
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Sexy and vibrant, Johnson Street’s Fiesta promises more kick than a tequila sunrise. Every year thousands of Melburnians are lured to Fitzroy for a weekend fiesta of food, music and dancing. The street is lined with stalls serving paella, chorizo sausages, sangria, tapas and other taste sensations. A giant stage offers entertainment for all ages. ( Please note - This festival has previously been known as the Spanish Festival or Hispanic Festival. ) |
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November 2012 ? |
Johnston Street (between Nicholson & Brunswick Streets, Fitzroy |
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Japan Festival
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The 11th Japan Festival organised by Japan Club of Victoria will be held at Box Hill on Sunday, May 16th 2010.
The venue for the Japan Festival is the Town Hall which has been newly renovated this year. The TAFE Car Park will be the location of the food court, where visitors can try many Japanese foods. |
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Antipodes Festival
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The Antipodes Festival, an initiative of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria, promises another big year in 2010.
Headlining it all, is the much-loved Lonsdale Street Glendi - a weekend street party and celebration that caters to all tastes, ages and sizes! Local musicians, traditional dance groups and performances direct from Greece come together to give Melbourne its own unique Hellenic taste. Our headline act this year is Aggelos Dionysiou (son of the legendary Stratou Dionysiou). We will host a four-hour music medley on Sunday afternoon, by international musicians George Xylouris, Apodimi Compania, Ta Kastoriana Halkina (a big Greek brass band) and George Hatzipetros and Mihalis Kalaitzis from Rhodes and the Dodecanese Islands. George Xylouris and Apodimi Compania are touring a number of music festivals in March, and we’re delighted to be giving Melbourne audiences an opportunity to see them for free at the Glendi. |
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Festival Malaysia
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A festival will serve to demonstrating that Malaysia is a land of diverse races, languages, religions and a varied and remarkable cultural heritage. |
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October 2012 ? |
Queensbridge Square, Southgate |
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Japanese Summer Festival
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Following the success of last year's inaugural Japanese Summer Festival, or
Natsu Matsuri, the event will again be staged at Docklands in Melbourne. Last
year, over 5000 people attended the event and organisers expect to see crowds of
up to 7000 joining in the celebration of Japanese culture and traditions.
The Natsu Matsuri is a festival held right across Japan and the Melbourne
version will include a huge Bon Odori, the dance which is a traditional part of
the Summer Festival. The dance is easy to learn and anyone is welcome to join
in. The Natsu Matsuri is famous for its carnival atmosphere and the event will
feature many terrific performances including a taiko drumming display. A raffle
will also be held on the day with a wide range of prizes including a return trip
for two to Japan!
This is a great chance to experience a traditional Japanese festival and to
celebrate Melbourne's vibrant multiculturalism. With lots of Japanese food and
drink stalls and a fantastic atmosphere, the Natsu Matsuri is an event not to be
missed for Japanese people living in Melbourne or for those with a love of Japan
and its culture. |
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February 2012 ? |
Waterfront City Piazza, Docklands |
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Chinese New Year Celebrations
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The annual Chinese New Year celbrations in Melbourne's Chinatown. The parade starts at 12.30 in Little Bourke Street and there will be stalls, dragons firecrackers and all the excitement of welcoming in the Year of the Dragon. |
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La Faya Festival
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La Faya, meaning to party is set to do just that! In 2010, this colourful &
exotic community festival will be taking place at Federation Square. A
celebration of Cultural Diversity in harmony. Join us for this special community
event organised by a dedicated team of volunteers and supporters showcasing the
rich & colourful culture of people from the Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius,
Rodrigues and Seychelles & other communities in Victoria. The programme will
include:
- The History of Migration & Settlement of Mauritians & Rodriguans in
Victoria Exhibition
- Down Memory Lane - display of historical photographs
- Talks, cultural workshops and traditional games
- A variety of exotic, traditional and contemporary songs and dance
- A Kids Corner and a Health Corner • Food Stalls selling traditional
delicacies and more.
The La Faya Variety Concert will be held inside BMW Edge from 7.00pm. In
order to help CHARM cover any shortfalls of festival expenses there will be a
charge of $5 per adult over 15, under 15 free, to attend the concert. Note on pricing |
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Box Hill Chinese New Year Celebrations
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The Asian Business Association of Whitehorse in conjunction with Council will again host one of the largest Chinese New Year celebrations in Melbourne.
Held in the Box Hill mall precinct, this multicultural celebration includes traditional lion dancers, a Buddha stage, SBS broadcasting on site and heaps of other entertainment. A ‘count down’ to New Years Eve at midnight on the Main Stage will usher in the Year of the Rabbit.
Souvenir and merchandise stalls will line Box Hill malls and Whitehorse Road is partly closed to become a food market and amusement carnival.
Parking in the area will be extremely limited so why not use public transport. |
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January 2012 ? |
cnr. Station St and Whitehorse Rd Box Hill |
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Anatolian Arts & Cultural Festival (Turkish festival)
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Celebrating more than 40 years of Migration from Turkey to Australia. Turkiye
is a culturally diverse country just like Australia. People from hundreds of
different nations and ethnic backgrounds live in Turkiye. This cultural
diversity dates back thousands of years which has created a unique cultural
blend. As an indicator of international acceptance of this cultural wealth,
Istanbul has been selected as the cultural capital of Europe for 2010. Melbourne
accommodates the biggest Turkish minority of Australia with an estimated number
of 50.000. The Anatolian Culture and Arts Festival is the biggest organisation
of Melburnians who have migrated from Turkiye. All nations and identities of
Turkey like Turkish, Kurdish, Turkman, Alevi, Tatar will be invited to the event
and be given opportunities to perform. The event aims to present the best of
Culture and Art of Turkiye to all the people of Melbourne. For this reason, the
Docklands Waterfront City has been chosen as the venue. The main attractions of
the event are:
- A concert from Fatih Kisaparmak, Turkish celebrity singer who will be
coming to Australia just for the event.
- Kurdish traditional music and celebration show
- Folk dance performances of three different regions of Turkiye
- A March of the historical military band of Turkiye
- Turkish classic and folk music choir performance
- Traditional Turkish wrestling
- Live performances of Traditional Ottoman Arts
- Exhibition of pieces of Turkish arts
- Mevlavi “Sema” presentation and music
- 1Musical drama performance
- Presentation of video clips via big screens
- Stalls of traditional Turkish Food.
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Viva Victoria
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A multicultural festival celebrating the many ethnic groups which have enriched the Victorian community. With entertainment, food and a world market. |
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Coburg Greek Festival
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The Coburg Greek Church celebrates its name with the community by providing a Greek Festival. This is an occassion for both members of the Greek Church community and the Moreland community in general |
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February 2012 ? |
Coburg Lake Reserve, Murray Rd Coburg |
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Vietnamese Tet Festival
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The Tet Festival celebrates Vietnamese New Year with an exciting array of stalls, cuisine and entertainment. |
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February 2012 ? |
Sandown Racecourse |
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Darebin Greek Festival
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A festival celebrating Greek food, music and culture presented by the Greek Community of Northcote and Dartebin. |
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February 2012 ? |
Johnston Park, Bastings Road, Northcote |
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Buddhist Spring Festival
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Hear HH the Dalai Lama's methods for a happier, more meaningful life.
Teachings of various Buddhist traditions.
Blessing Ceremony - 12 pm Sat.
Market; temple & garden tours. Entry $7. Under 13s free. Facility charges for talks. Temple tours $5. Proceeds support temple. |
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November 2012 ? |
Tibetan Buddhist Society, 1425 Mickleham Rd (enter by Cookes Rd), Yuroke |
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Croatian Festival
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A festival celebrating Croatian culture.
Join the Victorian Croatian community for a celebration of Croatian customs and traditions at this one day festival. Enjoy music and dance performances, including Croatian folklore dancing, admire traditional Croatian dress, observe cooking demonstrations and taste the exciting flavours of Croatian cuisine. |
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Ventana Latina Festival
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A lively Latin Festival (is there any other sort?) held annually in Frankston. Ventana Latina is a boutique fiesta that provides an intimate and authentic experience of Latin American dance, music, food, art, crafts, poetry and more. |
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Saturday March 2012 ? |
Bayside Entertainment Centre, Wells Street, Frankston |
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Greek Glendi Festival
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Immerse yourself in the smells of souvlaki and sounds of the bouzouki at Fed Square.
The Greek Glendi Festival is a cultural celebration of Melbourne's Greek community with food and art stalls, live music, free entertainment and much more. |
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La Plaza de Mercado
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The organisers claim that La Plaza de Mercado is now Melbourne’s premier Latin American and Spanish cultural festival. The Queen Victoria Market will host the "market within a market”. In its fifth year, this unique event celebrates Spanish and Latin American culture with an exotic entertainment program of music, dance & market stalls of traditional handicrafts, fashion & delicious food. |
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Anatolian Alevi Festival
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Celebrating the art, cultute of Anatloia and the philosphies of the Alevi people. With food dancing, activities and stalls. |
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November 2012 ? |
Coburg Lake Reserve, Coburg |
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Diwali in The West
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In thye morning there will be activities and food stalls. In the afternoon there will be a cricket match at the Whitten Oval. In the evening, this being Diwali, there will of couse be fireworks. |
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October 2012 ? |
Neighbourhood House & Whitten Oval, West Footscray |
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Country Victoria
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Echuca-Moama Celtic Festival
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This Celtic Festival of dance and music is only new but White Hat notes they have secured the domain name of celticfestival.com.au which might some indignation with longer established Celtic festivals. However that should not be a problem since Celtic peoples are renowned for never being argumentative -well, hardly ever. |
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Viva Italia Wangaratta
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A festival celebrating the Italian heritage of the region. |
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International Tartan Day
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Aussie Scots invite you to attend our Tartan Day Spectacular Celebrations. There will be Pipe Bands, Highland Dancing, Scottish Country Dancing, Scotty Dogs Mascots, static displays by Clans, Genealogy/Family History Groups. There will also be many stalls selling Scottish Ware. |
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Colombian Festival
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The Colombian Independence day Festival is one of
Brisbane's major community festivals. |
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Brisbane French Festival
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Experience French culture, cuisine, entertainment, champagne and music Brisbane;s annual French Festival. A French market will also be operating with a range of French gifts and delicacies. |
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July 2012 ? |
Cultural Forecourt, cnr Melbourne & Grey St, South Bank |
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Gnatannwarr Multicultural Festival
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This festival (previously known as the Tarerer Festival) promotes local indigenous culture through song and dance. |
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March 2012 ? |
Warrnambool Performing Arts and Conference Centre, Warrnambool |
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Maryborough Highland Gathering
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Highland bands, sports and family activities |
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Geelong Highland Gathering
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The Geelong Highland Gathering, will
include Scottish Heavy Games, including caber tossing. The Victorian
Pipe Band Championships will be held a feature of the Gathering, first held on
the plains of South Geelong, then open space and now a heavily populated Geelong
suburb, in 1857. The Gathering went into recess during the Depression, but was
revived by the then Newtown City Council in 1957 and has been held continuously
ever since at picturesque Queens Park, often referred to as “the Braemar of
Australia”.
It has grown into the biggest and most diverse celebration of Scottish
culture in Victoria and one of the major Scottish events in Australia attracting
interstate and sometimes overseas bands and Scottish and other overseas judges.
The Gathering, from 9.30am to 5.30pm, attracts upwards of 6000 people annually.
Scottish historic military re-enactment groups, massed pipe bands displays,
Highland Dancing competitions, Scottish Country Dancing displays, a Celtic
Market, Scottish Folk Music, Scottish dogs and horses and Highland Cattle are
all a part of the traditional mix. There will also be clan and other cultural
and genealogical displays, wood-chopping competitions, archery, children’s
activities and a children’s farmyard. A great family occasion, entry charges apply/p>
Full information at
Geelong Highland Gathering. Details may change so check closer to the event. |
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Beechworth Celtic Festival
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An annual festival celebrating all things Celtic with dance, music, comedy, buskers, drama and displays. |
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Wonthaggi Italian Festa
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This is an Italian cultural event showcasing hours of entertainment and activities for the whole family. Whether it's the fencing demonstrations, Spaghetti eating competitions or cycling criterium this is "by far" one of the most entertaining Italian events in Australia. |
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Pako Festa
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A multicultural festival with entertainment, demonstrations and stalls. |
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Beechwoth Chinese Lantern Festival
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A festival celebrating the role of the Chinese in the history of Beechworth with entertainmnt, refreshements and displays. |
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Festa Carmine
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An aftrennon of activities, games, and Italian food. |
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July 2012 ? |
Ken Harrison Sports Complex, Yarra Street, Swan Hill |
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Koroit Irish Festival
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Poetry, history music and dance highlighting the Irish heritage of the area. |
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These events are ones which have run in the past and we expect to run in the future. As yet we do not have confirmed details, dates and contact details. To be informed of those details when they become available you can subscribe to our newsletter "Great things to do in Melbourne". |
White Hat works hard
to make information on these pages current and correct. However with
many thousands of entries, much of it changing daily, errors may occur.
Always verify the information by using the phone numbers supplied with
each event or venue before making a special trip or using this
information for any other purpose. If you believe some information is
incorrect, please contact us at
corrections@whitehat.com.au
and we will attempt to verify or change the information
DISCLAIMER: White Hat makes no claim as
to the accuracy of this information and takes no responsibility for
incorrect or incomplete information
or for actions based on the information in these pages, and accepts no
liability to any person or organisation for the information contained in
these pages.
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TOURISM NEWS
Qantas In Flight Magazine chooses
White Hat
Cemetery Tour as its featured Australian tour for May
There are many fine historical tours
throughout Australia including cemetery tours. From these, the
prestigious Qantas In Flight Magazine has chosen the White Hat Tour
of Melbourne Cemetery as its featured Australian tour for the May
2007 edition. This tour was also featured by ABC radio on 24 May and
will feature in a documentary series on Burke and Wills to be shown
on European television in 2008. The tour has been operating for many years and has won
praise from a wide range of sources. This is not a dry and stuffy
tour but in keeping with all White Hat offerings it is Informed,
Intelligent, Independent (and occasionally) Irreverent. You can find
details of the tour at White
Hat Tour of Melbourne Cemetery and view the article at
Qantas In Flight Magazine. |
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