Viva Colombia hits Darwin this July

His Honour was delighted to meet with His Excellency Diego Felipe Cadena Montenegro, Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia to Australia, at the Multicultural Council of the NT in Malak for a preview of the Viva Colombia Fest 2026.

Welcomed by Festival Director Ms Katherine Echeverry, volunteers and members of the Colombian community, His Honour rolled up his sleeves to help prepare traditional Colombian empanadas and arepas before taking part in the ceremonial cake cutting.

With His Honour unable to attend Saturday's festival, the visit was a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the extraordinary effort of the organisers and volunteers who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes. In the lead-up to Viva Colombia Fest, dozens of volunteers come together to prepare thousands
of traditional dishes while sharing their culture, building friendships and strengthening community connections across the Territory.

Congratulations to Ms Echeverry, Mr Ben Poveda-Alfonso, President, Colombian-Australian Association of the Northern Territory and the entire Viva Colombia Fest team.

His Honour thanks everyone involved for their dedication and wishes them every success for the celebration at the Darwin Waterfront.