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Experience a world of cultures in one day

From City Scene, published on 10 February, 2008

Identity and culture: An Ethiopian dance group (top) prepares for a performance at the Auckland International Cultural Festival. Ethiopian community president Zenebe Tsega says the festival is a great chance to celebrate our diversity. "New Zealand is becoming an increasingly multicultural society, and we want to show that we are a part of that," he says. Along with cultural performances from groups such as the Bulgarian Roses (bottom) the festival features a soccer tournament, as well as food and craft stalls (centre).

Celebrate our city's diversity at the Auckland International Cultural Festival 2008. The festival is a great opportunity to enjoy more than 40 cultures at home in Auckland.

Dozens of cultures will be represented at the Auckland International Cultural Festival on Sunday, 17 February so head along and enjoy the cultural performances, music, arts and crafts displays and food on offer.

The free festival is provided by Auckland City Council and organised in association with RMS Refugee Resettlement.

The council's Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee chairperson, Councillor Greg Moyle, says the festival provides a great opportunity for new refugees and migrants to celebrate their culture and connection to Auckland.

Festival highlights include the youth and performing arts arena, where young people will share their culture and traditions and the Ethnic Soccer Cup, which aims to build international friendships through sport.

The council hopes to build on the success of last year's inaugural soccer tournament, which was highly commended at the New Zealand Recreation Association Awards.

This year's tournament features youth and men's teams competing in seven-a-side, 30-minute games on Saturday, 16 and Sunday, 17 February.

The finals will be held on Sunday afternoon after a women's exhibition match at 2.15pm.

Last year's winners, the Thai men's team and the Ethiopian Lions, champions of the youth competition, will be returning to defend their titles in what promises to be an exciting display of skill.