THE FESTIVALS OF PARRAMATTA

Paramattas ‘culturally rich city, set to summit to new diverse heights as the council introduces more funding into multicultural festivals. 

 

Its estimated that by the end of 2019, 260, 130 resident will reside in the city of Parramatta.
And by 2036, there should be a 150 per cent increase in the amount of residents that originally resided in 2016, most of which will come from more culturally diverse backgrounds. 

 

Known for its elaborate multicultural events, Parramatta is now seen as a major hub for cultural diversity, displaying endless amounts of multicultural vibrancy ranging from music to fashion.

 

The city mayor of Parramatta, Andrew Wilson believes that fairs like the Chand Raat Eid Festival aim to unite and showcase the Islam to those of all faiths. 

 

“I think the religion (Islam) should be accessible to everyone” said Wilson. 

“It doesn’t matter that I’m a Christian because we came here to celebrate the religious event in our city.”

 

Data released by the Australian 2016 census highlight the city of Parramatta’s growing multicultural community. In a comparison to the 2011 census, parramatta has had an increase of 1,310 Islamic residents during 2016, totalling to be well over 10,000 by 2019 (https://profile.id.com.au/parramatta/religion). 

 

For director of the festival Syed Atiq ul Hassan, the fair has provided a constant idea of the way that Australia is growing as a society. 

 

“Australia is a multicultural society and you have a responsibility to build up this multicultural society…this is what we aim to do here” said Mr. Hassan. 

 

For those who attend the festival, over its 20 year running time, the number of attendees has grown from just under 200 to over 20, 000 yearly attendants. As Mr. Hassan proudly announces: 

“this is the the fastest growing Islamic based festival worldwide, thats celebrated by those of all faiths”  

 

In contrast, Romania also exhibits vast multiculturalism within its nation. With immigrants spanning mainly from China, Hungry and Serbia, the country showcases its expansive cultural background. Whilst Romania is lacking in festival based activities to promote multiculturalism, exhibitions of the arts, music and langue are shown throughout many regions of the nation. 

 

 

For Mr. Wilson, where he’d like to see the future of parramatta heading is by inviting even more people of mixed background to settle in the area.

 

“Were aiming to put more funding into areas that’ll provide more multicultural festivals in our city.” claims Mr. Wilson.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Wilson in his Parramatta office.