Auckland Pacifica Festival 2018 (archive photo).
picture: food
The stage is set for Pasifika to celebrate their cultural identity at the Auckland Pasifika Festival this weekend.
The Pasifika Festival began in 1993 and has grown into the largest celebration of Pacific culture, according to the festival's website.
“The largest festival of its kind in the world bringing Pacific communities together, each generation that has been part of the festival over the years reflects the changing faces of the festival. This collection showcases participants and audiences as they interact with the festival, and captures the true spirit of Pasifika Festival – its people.”
Eleven countries will be represented with an array of cultural performances, traditional arts and crafts and delicious local cuisine.
Event director Jeb Savali told RNZ Pacific it was a show not to be missed.
“You can expect to see the colours, sights, smells and sounds of Pasifika on display for everyone at this festival, so it's a great time to showcase our culture, be proud of it and showcase it to the world,” Savali said. .
He said he was proud to have the festival up and running for the second time since Covid-19 restrictions were lifted.
He said the event provides an opportunity for the community to connect with its cultural heritage.
“The heart of this festival is our Pasifika community, and that is the essence and value of our festival is the ability to showcase and celebrate our communities to the world.
The free, family-friendly event kicks off tomorrow morning at Western Springs Park.
