Pasifika celebrates Auckland City's many cultures. Photo / Michael Craig
The diverse backgrounds of Aucklanders will be celebrated tonight at one of the country's biggest cultural events.
The Pasifika Festival starts with a free concert at Western Springs Park in which three original members of Herbs will take the stage as Herbs Unplugged.
The reggae band promises to
play old hits such as Slice of Heaven, which they released with Dave Dobbyn, and See What Love Can Do, released with Annie Crummer.
The group have also worked alongside UB40, Taj Mahal, Tina Turner, Neil Young and Stevie Wonder.
Actress Teuila Blakely, of Sione's Wedding fame, will Mc.
Tomorrow, the festival is expected to attract more than 200,000 people to all-day entertainment on two stages and 10 cultural villages, including Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Tahiti, Tokelau, Tonga and Tuvalu.
Each village will show off its nation's culture, offering an insight into traditions and ceremonies.
There will be flax-weaving, lei-making, fire-dancing, fashion parades, performances and traditional cooking.
The festival takes place every March and is one of the largest community events in the South Pacific. It is the highlight of Celebrate Pasifika, a month-long programme of arts and events.
Other events during Celebrate Pasifika include concerts, a trade exhibition, art exhibitions and sporting matches.
The annual Pollywood event will also be held on various dates this month, screening short films, written by and starring Polynesian people.
Organiser Craig Fasi said: "I am constantly humbled by the support the programme receives ... Six years later the momentum of Pollywood couldn't be any stronger."
PASIFIKA FESTIVAL
Where: Western Springs Reserve, Great North Rd.
When: Opening concert - tonight, 7.30 to 9.30. Festival - Tomorrow, 10am to 5pm.
