About 300 people from a wide mixture of ethnic background and communities around the district and further afield attended the inaugural Alexandra South Asian Cultural Festival on Saturday (27 August 2022).
The purpose of the event was to expose smaller communities like Alexandra to cultural events that are normally only accessible in large, urban areas.
“The reception by the community was overwhelming,” Central Otago District Council Welcoming Communities Officer Deborah Beange, who coordinated the event in conjunction with hosts the Arasan Trust NZ, said.
“The event provided an opportunity for the community to engage with diverse cultures that are increasingly part of the fabric of Central, and we were thrilled about the turn out. Thanks to everyone who came out in support.”
There were a variety of cultural performances, food, henna painting, and South Asian books featured from the Alexandra Library. The secondary school poster competition was awarded by celebrity judges, MP Joseph Mooney, Carthika Luxmanan of Arasan NZ Trust, Rebekah de Jong of Central Otago Arts Trust and Mayoress Linda Cadogan (see photo below).
The entire event was free to attend with sponsorship from Welcoming Communities and Arasan NZ Trust.
“However, the real secret to the success of this event was the army of volunteers who donated their time and expertise to bring this festival to life,” Mrs Beange said.
Photos: Mark Fenton/CODC