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Victoria is home to many cultural festivals. They focus on either the different lifestyles of its people or the many nationalities that have helped shape the vibrant and multicultural Melbourne and Victoria of today.
African Music & Cultural Festival
December. The largest annual African festival in Australia is held at Federation Square. Enjoy vibrant music, dancing, diverse arts, fashion shows, cultural performances and authentic African food at this free event.
Location: Melbourne CBD
www.africanmusicfestival.com.au
Antipodes Festival
February. This annual celebration of Greek culture is held along Lonsdale Street between Swanston Street and Russell Street. Over the weekend there are stages with free entertainment, pop-up bars, Greek street food, cooking demonstrations, craft stalls, dancing lessons and plenty of childrens activities.
Location: Melbourne CBD
www.antipodesfestival.com.au
Beechworth Heritage Festival
November. Celebrating the district's past, present and future, including First Nations, Chinese and Celtic forebears. There are concerts, performances, interactive exhibits, workshops and a street parade.
Location: Beechworth
www.beechworthheritagefestival.com.au
ChillOut Festival
March. The largest gay and lesbian festival in regional Australia with music, entertainment, exhibitions, a street parade and a carnival day street market
Location: Daylesford
www.chilloutfestival.au
Daylesford Highland Gathering
December. Enjoy a taste of Scottish culture during this festival. There is a street march with a procession of pipe bands followed by a full day of dancing, piping, drumming and all things Scottish at Victoria Park.
Location: Daylesford
www.daylesfordhighland.com
Holi Festival
March. A grand and colourful Indian festival that celebrates unity in diversity, bringing communities together. A true family event that welcomes those of all cultures and backgrounds. There are live DJs, dancing, performances, food trucks and Indian bazaar stalls. Held at the Ron Barassi Senior Park, next to the Bolte Bridge.
Location: Docklands
www.holifestivalmelbourne.com.au
Kilmore Celtic Festival
June. This festival is a tribute to the early Celtic settlers which shaped Kilmore. It includes folk and Celtic music, markets, banquets, workshops and dance.
Location: Kilmore
www.facebook.com
La Fiera
May. Celebrating Italian culture with a colourful masquerade ball, fireworks display, food & wine events, live entertainment and a car rally
Location: Myrtleford
www.lafiera.com.au
Melbourne Chinese Lunar Year Festival
January / February. Melbourne will come alive with vibrant festivities including spectacular lighting displays, firecrackers, live cultural performances, dragon processions and food sampling. This cohesive cultural experience welcomes people from all backgrounds to come together and celebrate.
Location: Melbourne CBD
www.melbournechinatownassociation.com.au
Melbourne Italian Festa
November. Celebrate all things Italian at the Melbourne Italian Festa. Experience the traditions of Italy with food tastings, cooking demonstrations, music and free entertainment. Held at the Royal Exhibition Building and Museum Plaza.
Location: Carlton
www.melbourneitalianfesta.com.au
Melbourne Latin Summer Festival
January. Head to Kings Domain and immerse yourself in the music, culture, art, flavours and passion of Latin America. Musicians will perform styles including samba, tango, salsa and cumbia. Food stalls will offer a large range of street food which showcases the best of Latin America and there will be a fully licensed bar serving cocktails and drinks.
Location: Melbourne CBD
www.melbournelatinsummerfestival.com
Mirboo North Italian Festa
February. Celebrate all things Italian at this family festival held at Baromi Park. There are market stalls selling craft and fresh produce, food stalls, cooking demonstrations, live music, dancing, comedy acts, competitions and a range of kids activities.
Location: Mirboo North
www.italianfesta.net
National Celtic Festival
June. Held at various venues in Portarlington, this is Australia's largest and most diverse celebration of Celtic culture. There are concerts, acoustic performances, dance, workshops and markets with a range of Celtic treasures, local craft, fresh produce and hot food.
Location: Portarlington
www.nationalcelticfestival.com
Pako Festa
February. This is Victoria's premier multicultural event and it's free. Celebrate with food from around the world, traditional dancing, workshops, art and craft exhibitions, childrens activities, street performers and the famous Pako street parade.
Location: Geelong
www.pakofesta.com.au
Polish Festival
November. Celebrate Polish culture and Melbourne's cultural diversity at Federation Square. There are stalls of Polish culinary treats and goods, live music and dance performances, craft demonstrations and interactive activities.
Location: Melbourne CBD
www.polishfestival.com.au
Robert Burns Scottish Festival
May. Named after a famous Scottish poet and lyricist, the festival features a weekend of Scottish dance, music and poetry. There are also free childrens activities, Scottish food stalls and a golf tournament.
Location: Camperdown
www.camperdownburnsfestival.com
Swiss Italian Festa
October. A celebration of the strong links that the Daylesford and Hepburn Springs district has to its Swiss and Italian settlers of the 1850s. The festival presents a diverse array of events including live music, competitions, artwork displays, open gardens, a street parade, food, wine and fireworks.
Location: Daylesford
www.swissitalianfesta.com