By Ricky Matthew
The upcoming Southeast Asia Festival is more than just a weekend food festival; it’s a vibrant, multi-sensory journey through one of the world’s most culturally rich regions. With its third annual edition, the festival has grown into a dynamic platform that showcases not only the traditions and artistry of Southeast Asia but also its rapidly modernising economies and thriving businesses.
Powered by Travel Galore (www.travelgalore.nz), Halo Halo NZ – the Asian Food Portal (www.halohalo.nz) Migrant News, Filipino News Migrant News and the official marketing partner Include NZ, the festival has become a must-attend event for both Southeast Asian communities and the wider public.
A previous event organised by SM Publications was the Philippine Independence Day at Auckland Showgrounds. It brought in a huge crowd of 15,000 attendees, making it the largest-ever Filipino event in Auckland’s history.
At its core, the Southeast Asia Festival is a celebration of the diverse cultures that make up Southeast Asia. This year’s event, running from 10 am to 4 pm also at the Auckland Showgrounds, will feature an expansive layout of pavilions representing Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Cambodia and Laos. Each pavilion offers a unique window into the traditions, arts, and culinary delights of these nations, allowing visitors to experience Southeast Asia’s cultural richness firsthand.
While the festival remains deeply rooted in tradition, this year’s edition also embraces the present and future of Southeast Asia. In addition to the heritage foods and cultural performances that have become the festival’s hallmark, this year’s event will introduce several new elements designed to highlight Southeast Asia’s role as a growing part of New Zealand’s population. For example, modern renditions of traditional dance performances, talented young artists from the region and Southeast Asian fusion foods.
The Halo Halo Filipino Pavilion, for instance, will host a series of exhibition booths and traditional food stalls that provide locals and ethnic communities a chance to interface with the Filipino culture.
Of course, no Southeast Asian festival would be complete without its food. This year’s Look East Festival promises to be a paradise for food lovers, with an even greater selection of authentic street foods and heritage dishes on offer than ever before. From Malaysia’s nasi lemak and roti canai to the Philippines’ lechon and halo-halo, the festival’s food stalls will serve up the very best of Southeast Asian cuisine.
What sets this year’s culinary offerings apart is the emphasis on authenticity and heritage. Many of the dishes available at the festival are rarely found outside their countries of origin, making this a unique opportunity for Kiwis to taste the flavours of Southeast Asia without leaving Auckland.
The open layout of the food stalls will also allow visitors to watch as chefs prepare their dishes, offering a behind-the-scenes look at traditional cooking techniques. For those looking to capture the moment, the festival’s organisers have ensured that there will be plenty of “Instagrammable” opportunities, with beautifully presented dishes and vibrant food displays.
Globetrotters, much like foodies, are in luck. The festival is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore the travel opportunities to the hot spots in Southeast Asia by meeting some of the regions Airlines and local travel companies.
Cultural performances will be another highlight of the festival, with a continuous program of traditional dance, music, and theatre throughout the day. Each of the participating countries will have an opportunity to present their cultural heritage on the main stage, supported by a large screen that will bring each performance to life. Whether it’s the graceful movements of a Thai traditional dances or the energetic rhythms of the Filipino ‘Tinikling’, the festival’s cultural program promises to captivate audiences of all ages.
While the Look East Festival is undoubtedly a celebration of Southeast Asia, it is also a testament to the power of cultural exchange and community. For the thousands of Southeast Asian migrants living in New Zealand, the festival is a chance to reconnect with their roots and share their culture with others. For local Kiwis, it’s an opportunity to immerse themselves in the traditions, flavors, and innovations of a region that is becoming increasingly important to New Zealand’s future.
As the countdown to September 28th begins, anticipation for the Southeast Asia Festival is building. With its rich program of cultural, culinary, and commercial experiences, this year’s festival promises to be a highlight of Auckland’s event calendar. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Southeast Asian culture or a newcomer looking to explore, the Southeast Asia Festival offers something for everyone.
Mark your calendars and join the celebration at Auckland Showgrounds on September 28th, 2024, from 10 am to 4 pm. Free entry. Lots of free parking around the Showgrounds and paid parking within the Showgrounds. Experience Southeast Asia like never before.
