Saturday March 21st, 2009 there was a spectacular free event that was held in Federation Square in the Melbourne CBD. It is called “Viva! Victoria” and celebrates diversity and multiculturalism in Melbourne and Australia. The highlight of the festival was the performances on stage. Celebrating various traditions, the performers danced and played music from their traditional lands. The beautiful costumes and clever performances, were spectacular.
We had travelled in from Selby in the Dandenong ranges (by we, I mean myself, my MIL & AIL and my 2 sons aged nearly 3 and 18 months) by train to the city. At first, it was a little overwhelming for the kids as the large crowds was something that they were not used to. When they saw the performances, they started to be come more entertained as the bright colours and interesting movements were awe inspiring.
The festival also celebrated various nationalities by featuring a long row of food tents with delights ranging from Afghani cuisine to Danish. It was hard to decide on a meal as the amazing smells and site of the food was a sensory overload. Wanting to have a bit of everything, I needed to make a decision and opted for some Afghani lamb skewers and fragrant rice. Unfortunately, I was disappointed, and wish I had have selected the African stew or some Spanish sausage. The Italian ice cream certainly did make up for my poor choice for lunch, as it was creamy and delicious. The children joined my mother in law with a Pita bread, filled with Chicken, while fairly bland in flavour, was a safe choice considering that babies are naturally adverse to hot, spicy foods and my mother in law has an allergy to MSG. I still believe that my Aunty in Law made the best choice, her goop slightly resembled an Indian curry, but had the fantastic flavour of peanut and spice, kind of like a satay, but much more powerful. Her plate was covered in the stuff, and after my 3 lamb skewers on a small scoop of rice, I was insanely envious.
After eating, we then made our way to the world market, which, I personally find fascinating. All the hand crafts and amazing creations showcase such incredible talent. The best by far, going to the stall which had bowls made from recycled magazines and purses made from toothpaste tubes. It was very inspiring and such a clever way to use rubbish. If I hadn’t of been clutching my purse strings for a trip to Sydney, then I certainly would have bought one of those bowls. Oh Well, better luck next time.
To sum up, Viva! Victoria is definitely worth a look. As part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival it runs every year, so we will be sure to go back next year. Please feel free to submit your reviews of the event here.
