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Cultural Diversity Week

Each year between 14-21 March, Victoria hosts a lively program of festivals and events highlighting our cultural, linguistic and religious diversity. At these events Victorians of all ages, from all walks of life, come together to contribute to community harmony and to promote mutual understanding and respect. The Week also marks the United Nations Day for the Elimination of Racism on 21 March and affirms our belief in the right for all Victorians to live without fear of racial and religious discrimination.

Viva Victoria

More than 40,000 people flocked to Federation Square on Saturday 21 March 2009 to enjoy a vibrant celebration of multiculturalism at the inaugural Viva Victoria festival. Highlights included two stages of outstanding music from around the world, a vibrant marketplace of quality handmade products, an exceptional selection of authentic traditional foods, children’s activities and exhibitions. More than 60 ethnic backgrounds were invited to participate in this event and apart from the entertainment, other activities included an interactive art display called a Rangoli, which saw an amazing design created from grains, seeds and other natural ingredients on the day, plus a Bodhi Tree that allowed participants to share their wishes of enlightenment. Viva Victoria will be held on 14 March 2010 and promises to be bigger and better than ever. If you would like to be involved in this exciting event, please download an application form for a Arts & Craft Stall (WORD 735kb) , or a Food Stall (WORD 735kb)
View last year's Viva program 2009 (PDF 2471 kb) for an idea of the wonderful events that took place.

Feature your Cultural Diversity Week Activities in Multicultural Victoria

Each year a special edition of Multicultural Victoria focuses on the wonderful events that take place during Cultural Diversity Week. If your school or group is holding an event during this period and would like to be considered for inclusion in the next edition of Multicultural Victoria please remember to take some high resolution photographs (at least 300dpi) and email the details plus images to info@vmc.vic.gov.au by March 20, 2010.
To get an idea of some of the fantasatic events that take place, read this year's special edition of Multicultural Victoria - Issue 28 (PDF 15753 kb)

United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racism

Forty-six years ago, on 21 March 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people in the township of Sharpeville, South Africa, who were peacefully demonstrating against apartheid’s ‘pass laws’. The United Nations General Assembly subsequently declared that day –- 21 March -- the International Day for the Elimination of Racism. The Assembly called on the international community not only to commemorate that tragedy, but also to work together to combat racism and racial discrimination wherever they exist. Find out more about the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racism.

Cultural Diversity Quest Awards

First held in 2004, the Cultural Diversity Awards are designed to help raise awareness of Victoria’s cultural, linguistic and religious diversity among young people. Each year, students from Prep to Year 12 in all Victorian primary and secondary schools are invited to participate by creating entries that communicate some their values, beliefs and understandings of their cultural heritage and our community can be truly inclusive of people from all cultural backgrounds. Find out more information about the Cultural Diversity Quest Awards.

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