Dance to the beat of multiculturalism at festivals in March

Communities and Multicultural Affairs Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr has announced a distinctly Brazilian flavour will dominate multicultural events being held across Queensland in March.

“Brazilian cultural festivals in Brisbane and Biloela are among the vibrant array of celebrations on the state’s cultural calendar next month, which will also include the traditional new-year festivals of Kurdish and Afghani peoples in Brisbane and cultural festivals in Redcliffe and Hervey Bay,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

The March events will receive a total of $32,000 under the Bligh Government’s Multicultural Assistance Program (MAP).

“These events are a wonderful opportunity for communities to celebrate Queensland’s incredible multicultural diversity,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

”The “Biloela Meets Brazil” cultural celebration on Sunday 22 March will allow the significant Brazilian population of the Central Queensland town to showcase their culture.

“Community members will share the spirit of their Brazilian heritage through Latin dancing, displays of Capoeira martial arts and traditional Brazilian food.”

It will follow the Queensland Brazilian Carnaval in Brisbane on Sunday, 1 March, an evening of Latin dancing and dining.

Other events in March will bring a range of cultures together, including the “Cultures Under the Southern Cross” program of entertainment at the Fraser Coast Cultural Festival on Sunday 29 March.

“The Multicultural Assistance Program is providing Fraser Coast residents the opportunity to witness spectacular dance performances by groups such as Raices — an Argentinean and Uruguayan folk troupe — and Te Atamira, a group of Cook Islander dancers from Brisbane.”

The Redcliffe Multicultural Harmony Day Festival on Sunday 22 March will also include dance, music, food and art, taking in diverse cultures.

March is also the month of Nowrooz, a traditional new-year celebration of many communities across South and Central Asia, including Kurdish and Afghan peoples.

“Nowrooz is a very meaningful festival that recognises the resilience and strength of many people from Afghanistan and its neighbouring regions,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

"The Bligh Government’s Multicultural Assistance Program grants support a wide range of activities that promote cultural diversity and positive community relations.

“These events are a great opportunity for communities to learn about the different cultures of people living in their community.

“I encourage communities to join in their local celebrations.”

Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280

Full details of March events receiving Multicultural Assistance Program grants are listed below

March events receiving MAP grants

Queensland Brazilian Carnaval ($3000)
When: Sunday, 1 March, 5pm-midnight
Where: East Brisbane Bowls Club, Mowbray Park, Lytton Road, East Brisbane
Entry: $10
Organiser: Brazilian Association of Queensland

Kurdish New Year ‘Nowroz’ ($3000)
Aims to promote Kurdish cultural values to promote harmony and acceptance.
When: Saturday, 14 March, 6pm-midnight
Where: Marymac Hall, 616 Ipswich Road, Annerley
Organiser: Kurdish Association of Queensland

Nowrooz Celebration 2009 ($2500)
Brisbane-based Afghani communities will share the rich traditions of their culture.
When: Saturday, 21 March, 6pm-midnight
Where: Marymac Hall, 616 Ipswich Road, Annerley
Organiser: Taj Association of Australia

Nowroz Festival ($2500)
This sharing of Afghani music and cultural traditions will involve the Iranian, Kurdish and Indian communities.
When: Sunday, 22 March, 5pm-late
Where: Marymac Hall, 616 Ipswich Road, Annerley
Organiser: Hazara Association

Biloela Meets Brazil ($3000)
When: Sunday, 22 March, 8am-1pm
Where: Biloela PCYC, Valentine Plains Road, Biloela
Entry: Gold coin donation for entry to markets
Organiser: Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Association

Redcliffe Multicultural Harmony Day Festival ($8000)
When: Sunday, 22 March, 11am-4pm
Where: Redcliffe Botanic Gardens, Redcliffe
Entry: Free
Organiser: Redcliffe Multicultural Community Association

Cultures Under the Southern Cross ($10,000)
When: Sunday, 29 March, 9.30am-5pm
Where: Scarness Foreshore Park, Hervey Bay
Entry: Free
Organiser: Fraser Coast Cultural Festival