More than 4000 join Mid West Multicultural Association Festival of Lights in weekend display of culture

More than 4000 people celebrated the Festival of Lights at the weekend, and with more cultural groups than you could count on two hands and activities for all ages, there was something for everyone. The Multicultural Festival of Lights has lived up to its name in drawing together performers from many different cultures at Stow Gardens on Saturday afternoon. ZAP Circus duo Rusty and Tarrabelle took playing with fire to a new level at the finale, but not before the youngsters enjoyed a raft of activities at Watoto World, from face painting, archery, Old MacDonald’s Farm, bouncy castles and building. The silent disco, wheelchair basketball and activities by Fusion that made up Remaja World were also hits. Watoto is Swahili for children and Remaja is Indonesian for youth. Mid West Multicultural Association secretary Yvonne Lovedee said it was wonderful to see all ages, including some parents, joining in the fun of the silent disco, and children learning from the WACRH nurses at The Teddy Bear and Doll Hospital. “Although we come from different corners of Australia and the world, in Geraldton we come together in celebration and together we can all make a difference in the community and make it an awesome place to live,” she said. The Counsulate General of India had an Incredible India stall promoting tourism in Kerala. The stall displayed artefacts from Kerala, including traditional lamps, nettipattam, an ornament used to decorate elephants, house boats and the ancient dance Kathakali. Midwest Indian Cultural Society chairperson Hari Kumar said most migrants in the Mid West were from Kerala and tend to work in the health service industry. Radio MAMA broadcast live at the event, allowing community members the opportunity to share their cultures and activities.