Community & Business
26 August, 2026
Festival celebrates cultural harmony
MAREEBA is a perfect example of multiculturalism at its best, says Mayor Angela Toppin as the town gears up for this weekend’s annual Multicultural Festival.
The Mareeba Shire is home to people from some 75 different nationalities and cultural backgrounds and the festival aims to celebrate this diversity and harmony.
Since 1999, the annual event has provided festival patrons the opportunity to sample the food and culture of many countries around the world.
Locals are being encouraged to dust off their dancing shoes and bring an appetite to Arnold Park this Saturday.
Festival Committee chair Cr Mary Graham said excitement had been building throughout the community.
“We have non-stop entertainment with traditional dances, singing and live music drawing inspiration from all over the world,” she said.
“No one will leave hungry, with over 20 food stalls offering delicious cultural meals, drinks and sweets.”
There will be plenty of free activities on the day with the Marvellous Kids Zone including face painting, a craft corner, colouring competition, interactive music play, a bubble arts lab and bubble show.
Back by popular demand is the Homestead Forge, offering blacksmithing demonstrations and the chance for festival goers to create their own pendant to take home.
“Don’t forget to visit the committee tent to enter in the free lucky door competition and purchase your $2 raffle tickets,” Cr Graham said.
“We have heaps of prizes this year and all ticket sales go directly toward supporting the event.
“I would like to say a special thank you to the Queensland Government for supporting this event through the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland Program, Mareeba Shire Council and all of the incredible local businesses that have provided sponsorship and support this year, as well as the Mareeba Multicultural Festival committee and volunteers.”
To view the program, check out the raffle prizes and see the site map, visit https://mareebamulticulturalfestival.com.au/
