The sights, sounds and flavours of Lebanon will take over North Parramatta when the City of Parramatta hosts its inaugural Lebanese Festival, at Barton Park on Sunday 22 November.
The free, family-friendly event is open to everyone and is expected to attract thousands of visitors, bringing Lebanese culture to life through authentic food, music and dance, with performances by international recording artist Faydee, Wael Mansour and DJ Mark Kross.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Cameron MacLean said the festival reflects the diversity of modern Parramatta and reinforces the City’s growing reputation as Western Sydney’s cultural capital.
“Parramatta is home to the best events and festivals, and we are proud to have a thriving Lebanese Australian community that has helped shape our City for generations,” Cr MacLean said.
“This festival is a chance to celebrate those contributions so bring your family and friends to share in the culture, traditions and hospitality of Lebanon.
“As one of Australia’s most diverse cities, we are proud to be launching our first Lebanese Festival here in Parramatta.”
The festival will run from 11am to 4pm and feature more than 20 food and drink vendors, cultural performances, cooking demonstrations, drumming workshops, market stalls, family activities, roving entertainment and community activations with a strong focus on Lebanese-owned businesses and authentic cultural experiences.
City of Parramatta Councillor, Tanya Raffoul said the Lebanese Festival would be a celebration of one of the most culturally rich communities in Australia.
“Parramatta is proudly one of Australia’s most multicultural communities, and the Lebanese Festival is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the culture, traditions and people who help make our City so vibrant,” Cr Raffoul said.
“This will be a celebration for everyone, bringing people together through music, dance, food and entertainment while showcasing the rich heritage and contribution of our Lebanese community.”
Lebanese music, drummers, belly dancers and cultural performances will take centre stage, with live bands, DJs and traditional Dabke to roving musicians, community groups and interactive workshops. People can also experience storytelling, craft, coffee cup readings and cultural demonstrations celebrating Lebanon’s rich traditions and contemporary culture.
The event forms part of Council’s expanding program of major multicultural festivals and supports its vision of making Parramatta the home of festivals, sport and entertainment.
For more information visit Parramatta’s Lebanese Festival page.
