Migrant communities embrace Global Grooves

Global Grooves will be at the Meadowlands Amphitheatre in the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens this year on Saturday, October 26, from 3pm to 8pm.

The group meet every Wednesday night to rehearse for the festival – our region’s largest celebration of multiculturalism.

The Nepalese Australian’s have been performing at the popular event since 2012 and their spellbinding dances and colourful costumes are always a crowd favourite.

Group member Junu Prajapati said they planned and prepared a new performance every year and said the goal was to showcase the intricacies of Nepal’s many ethnic groups.

“Nepal has more than 100 ethnic groups and almost as many different spoken languages, so we try to incorporate lots of different elements into our performances to acknowledge this diversity,” Ms Prajapati said.

“Global Grooves is a great platform for migrants like us to show and share our cultures, dances and foods from the motherland. This year, we will present a typical Nepali dance in traditional dress called Gunyu Choli”.

Ms Prajapati said the festival was a great opportunity for migrant communities to mingle.

“I love being able to interact with the wider community and learn about other cultures and costumes and, of course, try all the amazing foods,” she said.

Cr Justin Englert echoed Junu’s sentiments.

“The food is amazing,” Cr Englert said.  “Where else can you experience authentic food from so many different nations, all in the one place?”

“There will be more than a dozen food vendors with delicacies from across the world.  From Italian and Maltese to Filipino, Pacific Islands, Dutch, Thai and Indian – there will be plenty on offer to tantalise your tastebuds.”

Global Grooves is an initiative of Mackay Regional Council and the MECC and is proudly supported by the Queensland Government and ABC Tropical North.