Cook Island dancing woman at Pacific Islander Festival.
Image: Ben Healley
Source: Museum Victoria
Crowds filled the Immigration Museum on Saturday 25 February as a dozen Pacific Islands groups entertained visitors all day – come rain or shine!
Demonstrating the fascinating, diverse and inter-connected qualities of Victoria’s Pacific Islander groups and cultures, there was dancing, singing, blowing of Conch shells, a Kava ceremony, traditional basket weaving, displays and activities.
A number of mystery objects from Museum Victoria’s collections were also deciphered in the course of the day.
'Island time' was used throughout the festival, and despite the drenching everyone experienced when the storm broke (Ouch, those hailstones hurt!) our guests carried on and finished the day with a very funny Pacific talent show.
Visitors received a friendly Pacific welcome, as well as gaining an insight into different peoples and cultures, while the Island groups enjoyed themselves with pride, humour and some good-natured rivalry.