About Buddha’s Day & Multicultural Festival
Buddha’s Day & Multicultural Festival celebrates the birth of Buddha and the diversity of our multicultural and multi-faith society
FRI-3rd SAT-4th SUN-5th MAY
FEDERATION SQUARE
History
Organisers
The free, not-for-profit Buddha’s Day & Multicultural Festival is one of Victoria’s longest-standing multicultural festivals and will be celebrating its 28th anniversary in 2024. Recognised as a significant event in Melbourne’s event calendar, it offers three days of festivities showcasing traditional Buddhist Ceremonies, arts, music, cultural performances, and more.
Join us for our Light It Up Opening Ceremony at 6.30pm on Friday 3rd May, where all Festival installations will be switched on simultaneously, including an Immersive firework and Lights Display.
Buddha’s Light Immersive Fireworks & Light Display
Experience the inaugural Buddha’s Light Immersive Fireworks & Display illuminating the night sky in and around Fed Square on Friday, May 3rd at 7:45PM and Saturday, May 4th at 8PM.
Featuring a finely choreographed and musically scored storyline, and fireworks by renowned Foti International, the rich display celebrates the birth of Buddha and the triumph of light over darkness.
Historically, fireworks originated in China around the second century B.C. Firecrackers were an integral part of Chinese celebrations, believed to scare away evil spirits with their fire and loud cracking noise.
Using state-of-the-art pyrotechnic special-effects, vivid bursts of giant-sized lotus flowers interwoven with Buddhist motifs will produce a kaleidoscope of color and light, bound to delight all ages.
Proudly sponsored by the David Yu Family Foundation, this display is produced in collaboration with Foti International Fireworks, renowned for their international displays including the annual Sydney Harbour New Year’s Eve Fireworks.
Animated Bodhi Tree
The Bodhi tree plays a crucial role for Buddhists worldwide, symbolising peace and serving as a reminder of Buddha’s enlightenment. It's believed that under this tree, Prince Siddhartha attained Enlightenment after meditating for seven weeks.
Digital animations created by Artists in Motion will bring the Bodhi Tree to life, symbolising the emotional journey and challenges faced by Prince Siddhartha on his path to nirvana.
Multicultural Performances
Experience the rich tapestry of Melbourne's cultural diversity at Fed Square’s Main Stage. Victoria is home to people from over 250 countries, speaking 290 languages and dialects, and practising 130 religious and spiritual faiths.
The festival's multicultural performances showcase this diversity through a broad range of musical, choral, orchestral, dance, and acrobatic performances. From traditional costumes to vibrant dance forms, the performances engage audiences of all ages.
Light It Up Opening Ceremony
The festival's opening ceremony, the Light It Up Opening Ceremony, symbolises light overpowering darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. Conducted by Venerable Man Ko and other esteemed guests, the ceremony marks the beginning of the festivities.
Featuring cultural performances and traditional Buddhist ceremonies, the ceremony culminates with a breathtaking fireworks display by Foti International, illuminating Fed Square and captivating audiences.
Lumbini Garden
Step into the serene Lumbini Garden, a tranquil oasis adorned with giant lotus flowers, reminiscent of the birthplace of Buddha. The lotus, with its unique life cycle, symbolises rebirth and spiritual enlightenment in Buddhist tradition.
Guided meditation classes amidst the Lotus Flower Sanctuary offer attendees a moment of peace and reflection, surrounded by the illuminated lotus flowers. Explore the Garden's decorative statues and immerse yourself in its symbolic significance.
Support
The Buddha’s Day & Multicultural Festival is an extraordinary experience that energises Melbourne and introduces broad audiences to centuries-old cultural and religious traditions. Your support helps rebuild community connections and fosters cultural appreciation. Join us in creating unifying new cultural works and reintroducing Australian audiences to shared physical experiences.