National Multicultural Festival

Canberra is a home of more than 100 embassies and high commissions and is Australia’s seat of democracy. National Multicultural Festival embraces the fact that the city is built on a firm foundation of multiculturalism.  The festival was first held in 1981 as a one day event. Today, it is held over four days featuring national and international music, creative arts and culture. This is an ideal opportunity for artists that break the barriers to bring their work to a wider audience. This year around 280,000 gathered around the city center to celebrate culture, colour and food.  The festival has become one of the most successful festivals in Australia. It was reported in 2014, the event injected AU$5million into the Australian Capital Territory economy besides 10,000 overnight stays in the city by interstate and international visitors. The event is supported by many Governmental communities, such as ACT Government, Multicultural Affairs and ACT Government Community Services Directorate.