Tauranga will come alive with the sights, sounds and flavours of the world when the Tauranga Multicultural Festival returns on Saturday, March 14.

Running from 10am to 5pm at the Tauranga Historic Village, the much-loved annual event is expected to draw crowds from across the Bay of Plenty for a day of culture, connection and celebration.

Organised by Multicultural Tauranga, the festival is an annual showcase of the diverse cultures that call Tauranga home.

“This year’s theme, ‘Listen to Understand’, encourages the community to slow down, open their hearts and engage with the stories and experiences of others,” Multicultural Tauranga president Premila D’Mello said.

At its heart, the festival is about creating spaces where voices are heard, traditions are shared and differences become opportunities for learning and connection.

Visitors can wander through a lively village of stalls where cultural groups proudly present handmade crafts, traditional clothing and art from around the world. A full programme of music, dance and storytelling will light up the main stage throughout the day.

Food lovers will also be spoilt for choice, with authentic international dishes prepared by local cultural communities.

Families are well catered for, with a dedicated children’s activity zone that includes Tauranga City Libraries and Stem activities. They will also enjoy the expanded art and craft stalls featuring cultural merchandise such as Chinese and Filipino goods, and hands-on batik dyeing and Angklung workshops.

Tauranga Multicultural Festival will be held from 10am to 5pm on March 14 at Tauranga Historic Village. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Film enthusiasts can head to the Village Theatre for short film screenings presented in collaboration with the Tauranga Cultural Film Festival.

“In the lead-up to the event, we have also launched a weekly cultural quiz on social media, inviting the wider community to learn more about global cultures in a fun and interactive way,” D’Mello said.

“One lucky participant will win a family pass to the Rotorua luge.”

More than just a festival, the event reflects the ongoing work of Multicultural Tauranga, a not-for-profit community organisation that has supported migrants and newcomers to Aotearoa for more than 30 years. The organisation provides a range of services, from English language classes to women’s leadership programmes, and acts as a hub and voice for migrant communities in the Bay of Plenty.

“The Tauranga Multicultural Festival organised by Multicultural Tauranga is one of our city’s most important celebrations of belonging,” Ethnic, Migrant and Pacific Communities strategic advisor Haidee Kalirai said.

“It brings together people from every corner of the world who now call Tauranga home, creating a space where culture is shared and celebrated with real pride.

“We want to thank Tauranga City Council, Ministry of Ethnic Communities, Tauranga and Western Bay Community Event Fund, Seeka, Lion Foundation and Welcoming Communities for their support,” D’Mello said.

Entry is open to all, and residents are encouraged to bring their friends and whānau along for a day that brings the world to Tauranga’s doorstep.