The streets, laneways and parklands of Parramatta are transformed every year by a kaleidoscope of culture and colour when Parramasala brings parades, performances, markets and workshops to the area, celebrating the many cultures that make up our diverse city.
For the special ten-year anniversary in 2020, you can expect more vibrant live music, incredible traditional costumes, engaging theatre, music and dance, and of course, joyful street parades and activities. To that glorious multicultural mix, they’ll be adding more amazing food offerings, with cuisines hailing from South America, the Middle East, Indigenous Australian communities and South East Asia at the International Food Village from March 13-15. Also keep your nostrils flared for the intoxicating scents from the International Aromas Festival, a marketplace for coffee and delicious brewed beverages from around the world popping up on March 15.
This year's Parramasala live line-up starts with the annual Welcome Parade, a procession of performers, drummers and colour leading in to a rambunctious opening night party on Friday March 13 with the Grammy award-winning party band Los Amigos Invisibles kicking the celebratory atmosphere into gear. Be sure to also check out the Masala Music Festival on March 14 where you can experience sets from Sampa the Great, Mojo Juju, Adrian Eagle, and many more. For global dance fans, head to the World Dance Congress for stunning performances from Indian Bharatanatyam to African street dance.
The global creative fun continues with interactive visual displays from Parramatta Artist studios and a dedicated zone for the little ones at the Kids International Eco Village. Get the tikes involved in arty workshops, eco-friendly activities and a Chinese Zodiac lantern mini-parade on March 15.
Previous iterations have enticed more than 35,000 attendees to the area, from music festival regulars to young families, locals and visitors to Parramatta. Make sure you add Parramasala to your Sydney event bucket list.
