Thousands of festival goers descended upon Western Springs Lakeside Park over the weekend for the annual Pasifika Festival held in Auckland.
Pride, identity and connection were key themes for the two-day event, with 11 Pacific nations showcasing their pride for their country and heritage.
From the festival’s humble beginnings in 1993, the annual Pasifika Festival has become a staple showcase of Auckland’s Pacific cultures and communities.
The two-day festival was delivered on behalf of Auckland Council Events by the region’s cultural events and destination agency, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.
Ahead of the festival, Afamasaga Jep Savali, Group Manager Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Major Events, said reflection and forward planning were key to keeping the festival fresh, along with nurturing the next generation of artists, performers and cultural custodians.
“Pasifika is a community-led event that brings people together from different Pacific Island nations which is what makes it so unique,” says Savali. “There is a feeling of togetherness and authenticity which you feel the moment you enter the festival. Pasifika Festival is not a show, it is culture, traditions and language expressed through performances, food and entertainment.”
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