By: Silvana Geraldino

The Bondi Festival was held on Sunday, the 9^th of February, at the Bondi Pavilion on Bondi Beach. Showcasing a good variety of music performances, workshops and food. From dance workshops and musical groups representing music from different regions to painting and arts and crafts, the festival was a vibrant celebration of Latin American culture! The lively music, the colourful performances, and the delicious food, created an atmosphere that was truly unique.

Upon my arrival, around 1 pm, I didn’t make it in time to see the Brazilian samba show on the Forecourt, right in front of the water. Still, I made it in time to hear on the main stage the wonderful father and daughter duo, Mestre Jeronimo’s and Marina Da Silva, who played relaxing Bossa nova, just serving the perfect music ambience for the beach. Their performance was followed by the great Argentinian guitarist Maxi Signori, who interpreted songs like “Volare from Gipsy Kings and “Oye Como Va” as interpreted by Carlos Santana.

Fun Fact: Santana is a multi-award winning artist and one of the greatest Latin American guitarists. He pioneered a fusion of Rock and Roll and Latin American Jazz. In 2023, the Rolling Stone Magazine named him the 11th greatest guitarist ever! If you haven’t heard him, click the video below.

The afternoon was followed by a performance in the Forecourt from ILE ILU and their powerful all-female drum performance with rhythms from Brazil. They also taught the public the basic steps to dance to the rhythm of the drums. It was a blast!

I had a difficult decision between two great Mexican-inspired activities. The first one was attending the “Colour and Cactus Art workshop” inspired by the art of the Mexican Painter Frida Kahlo, and the second one was listening to the mariachis, but in the end, I decided to see live on the main stage, the Mexican Mariachi band of Victor Valdes, from Veracruz – Mexico. They started playing “Son de la Negra”, followed by classics like “El Rey” and, especially for lovers “Si nos dejan”.

DJ Dante Rivera set the dancing mood to great hits. Anticipating the full-energy performance of the group Mucho Mambo, who played Caribbean Latin American rhythms, like mambo, salsa, cha cha cha and bubbaloo. They performed songs like “La Vida es un Carnaval”, “Cha Cha Cha”, and time classics like “La Bamba” and “Yo Vivire”, which was the Spanish and salsa interpretation by Cuban artist Celia Cruz of the original song “I will survive” by Gloria Gaynor’s. There was also a salsa performance and workshop in the Forecourt.

And the food?

There was a good representation of Latin American food at three food stalls: Empanadas, Chorizo ​​bread sandwiches, and Peruvian food. The empanadas were filled with a variety of savory ingredients, the chorizo bread sandwiches were a delightful blend of flavors, and the Peruvian food offered a unique taste of the Andes. All the options available were delicious. However, it is hard to fully represent the immense variety of foods Latin America offers in each country. All so different and yet so tasty!

In conclusion, it was a wonderful cultural experience, showing the rich Latin American cultural diversity and part of their traditions. It was a fantastic opportunity to enjoy time with family, dance, and spend a different Sunday by the beach. Looking forward to the next one.

*I apologise to all readers for not uploading any actual footage from the event. Dancing hands, do not record great videos.*