Civic came alive with a cacophony of African drumming and a vibrant splash of Latin heat at the Petrie Plaza launch yesterday of this year's National Multicultural Festival.
The launch offered a showcase of the exotic performances Canberrans can expect to see at this year's festival, including the sizzling samba dancers from Kokoloco and the rhythmic tribal beats of West African drummers Phantom Drums.
Kicking off tomorrow and spanning the weekend, the festival - Canberra's largest annual celebration of multiculturalism - will be on in various locations in Civic.
With six stages and more than 330 stalls providing a taste of cuisine and culture from across the globe, the extravaganza is to be the biggest Canberra has seen.
The food and dance spectacular will include a Turkish bazaar, a Greek Glendi, Chinese New Year celebrations, an Indian display and an indigenous showcase.
For Samantha Midgley, 23, it will be her second time performing as part of Brazilian dance group Kokoloco at the annual festival.
''The festival is a fantastic celebration of multiculturalism and it's great to have the opportunity to bring the samba to Canberra crowds,'' she said.
Also at the festival, you can hang out with local sports stars.
At the ActewAGL Multicultural Sports Stand, there'll be athletes from the Canberra Capitals, ACT Brumbies, Canberra United, Canberra Raiders, Canberra Cavalry and ACT Tennis.
You can do more than just meet them, you can also play a game or two.
Shoot hoops with the Capitals from 12.30pm on Saturday; join Canberra United and learn to juggle soccer balls with your feet from 10.30am on Sunday; have a go at some baseball on the Wii with the Canberra Cavalry from 12.30pm on Sunday, or pass the ball with the Raiders from 2.30pm on Sunday.
All events and performances are free.
A full schedule is at www.multiculturalfestival.com.au
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