Carnivale street parade to bring Rio to Canberra

Carnival craze is set to sweep Canberra with ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs Joy Burch today revealing details of the first ever Carnivale street parade at the 2012 National Multicultural Festival.

"Flamboyant costumes, pulsating rhythms and amazing dancing have long been hallmarks of the National Multicultural Festival and this year's event is going to take that to the next level with the inaugural street parade," Ms Burch said.

The parade is being organised by leading Latin dancing school Kokoloco which is looking for over 60 participants of all ages to join them. Volunteers need no experience and will be taught everything they need to know by Kokoloco teachers.

"The street parade takes place on day two of the festival, Saturday 11 February, which really will see the City transform itself into carnival mode. It will go through the middle footprint from Akuna Street, and finish up at the main stage in Garema Place.

"Immediately following the parade, Carnival in the City kicks off led by music from the acclaimed Salsa Kingz. For more than five hours festivalgoers will be treated to some of the best Latin American dancing in Australia."

The blockbuster opening night concert is headlined by pop star Anthony Callea and also featuring leading Aboriginal band Coloured Stone, international youth choir Hong Kong Melody Makers and Australia's own ‘Italian Son of Song', Alfredo Malabello.

"Festival preparations are really underway and the quality of performances promises to surpass even last year's record-breaking event."

The 2012 Festival begins on Friday 10 February and runs until Sunday 12 February. For more information on the street parade, email info@kokoloco.com.au.

The countdown is on: the 2012 National Multicultural Festival is less than two months away. For the latest updates log onto http://www.multiculturalfestival.com.au/, follow the Festival on Twitter @NatMultiFest or become a friend at our Facebook page: National Multicultural Festival.