Viva Victoria @ Federation Square

Saturday 21 March 11am-6pm

Viva Victoria - Representing more than 50 countries through music, art,dance, craft and food stalls.

Felix Baloy & Kenny Lopez

Sudanese basket making

Cultural Diversity Week 2009 is already a highlight on Victoria's cultural calendar and the celebrations have just become a whole lot more exciting with the addition of Viva Victoria - a new multicultural festival - as the main event!

Viva Victoria will transform Fed Square into an alluring global fiesta for the enjoyment of the whole family.

Program

Download program

Highlights include two stages of outstanding music from around the world, a vibrant marketplace of quality handmade products and an exceptional selection of authentic traditional foods.

Roving performers, a public art installation piece, a market bazaar on the steps of Fed Square, plus exciting activities for the kids, means there is something for everyone at Viva Victoria.

The Viva Stage in the main square will feature outstanding dance performances from the Ukraine, Thailand, New Zealand and Hungary followed by music from Japan, Sudan, Mauritius, India, the Carribean.

The main act is Felix Baloy, from the Afro Cuban All Stars, the contemporary tour de force of Cuban music who is joined by local legends Kenny Lopez & Havana Connection.

Down on River Walk Terrace at the Singha Stage you can relax in the beer garden to electic sounds from Kurdistan, Greece, Vietnam, Bulgaria, Colombia and Indigenous Australia.

Busta Mento

Experience the artistic elements of the festival - have an Indian henna artist tattoo your hand or an African hair artist braid your hair and then head towards the public art piece in St Pauls Court where renowned visual artist Amanda King will engage festival goers to help create a strikingly beautiful rangoli from natural food products.

Exploring the niche market stalls, kicking back with a plate of traditional food or dancing the afternoon away - however you choose to experience it, Viva Victoria is an event you will not want to miss.

Bring your friends, family and community along and join us on Saturday 21 March from 11am-6pm.

Cultural Diversity Week

For the program and a complete list of the day's activities, visit www.culturaldiversity.vic.gov.au