In association with Viva La Gong Festival and in conjunction with the Celebrations: Spirit of Communities Exhibition a Public Program of singing, dancing, music and food celebrating the Portuguese, Italian, Vietnamese and Greek traditions was held in the Wollongong City Gallery on Saturday 18 October 2003.
One of Wollongong’s many cultures is Portuguese – from the mainland and from the islands of Madeira and the Azores. Many people migrating from Portugal have settled in the southern suburbs and two clubs are established – the South Coast Portuguese Association in Warrawong and the Kemblawarra Club in Port Kembla. The exhibition panels featured…
Italian cultural life in Wollongong was explored through Ballo Nazionale and Chestnut day which were featured on exhibition panels. The Italian displays included a hand tailored ball gown “Elvis dress” designed by Gino Chiodo; a cake showing the regions of Italy by Tonitto’s Cakes; champagne glasses for the 28th anniversary of Italian Social Welfare; a menu…
The Greek, including Cypriot Greek, celebrations panels displayed in the exhibition were Independence Day and Easter. The Greek display also included hand decorated Easter Eggs; a kandile and incense burner used during daily ritual; a boy’s Greek costume hand made in Wollongong; and, a bread stamp handed down from owner’s grandmother.
The Vietnamese exhibition panels featured the Moon Festival for children and the First House which is celebrated by families moving into their first home. The Vietnamese exhibition items on display included an ancestor altar which is in every house and ranges from very simple to elaborate; lanterns locally made and used in the Moon Festival;…
The Macedonian culture in Wollongong was represented in this exhibition. The celebrations included are a Macedonian wedding spanning two continents and patron days (villages) and name days (instead of birthdays). The displays included were a Macedonian hand made best dress used as a wedding dress; christening candles; books and postcards brought to Australia by the…
