A VIBRANT, cross-cultural community tapestry was on full display at Riverside Park at the much-anticipated Harmony Day celebration.
Around 2000 people came down to rejoice in beautiful autumn weather and celebrate the many cultures which comprise the Swan Hill community last Saturday.
“It feels like the best Harmony Day yet,” Harmony Day committee chairperson Joelle Whiting said.
“We’ve reached our 15th year of Harmony Day celebrations, and it feels like we’ve hit the peak.
“But every year we say that, so I’m looking forward to next year because it’s so special what we do when we all come together.”
Mrs Whiting said Harmony Day celebrations were crucial to the elimination of racial prejudice and discrimination.
“We want people to be proud of the culture, language, food they call their own,” she said.
In an especially heartwarming moment, a Timorese dance group sang along to the Indonesian lyrics of the Jawa Pintu Band – who play a fusion of Indonesian dangdut and gamelan with jazz and funk rhythms.
“The Indonesian community was really welcoming to the Jawa Pintu Band as well, and had prepared special meals for them,” Mrs Whiting said.
The Harmony Day Band, which came together after weeks of rehearsals, was a definite crowd-delighting hit.
As Iree Paul conducted the smoking ceremony, Harmony Day Band percussionists marched slowly through the crowd before taking their position on stage.
Dual performer and Harmony Day committee member Ute Schwaibold said the experience was “surreal”.
“There were lots of smiles and laughter, even now band members are asking ‘when are going to have the next session?’” she said.
“Everybody’s keen to keep the bang going, having fun and drumming together.”
Ms Schwaibold is from the Black Forest in Germany and first came to Swan Hill while backpacking in 2008.
“Harmony Day is very important because it brings us all together,” she said.
“We are all intertwined, and we are networking and collaborating.”
A great number of families came down for the event and were treated to a delicious array of cuisines from across the world.
Joelle Whiting said it was incredibly special to see so many people celebrating their unique cultures and heritages.
“The connection between all of the different people there, very energetic and a good vibe, was just amazing,” she said.
