CubaDupa Wows Wellington

CubaDupa Wows Wellington

The adage ‘you can’t beat Wellington on a good day’ was well and truly celebrated 19 & 20 March at the immensely popular second CubaDupa street festival.

Thousands took to the streets surrounding Cuba Street as the roads were closed and art, creativity, community, music and dancing took over!

“Thanks to a lot of hard work a great many people had a great time and did so in ways that reflect well on our city and our fellow citizens,” said Tim Brown, chairperson of Creative Capital Arts Trust. “It was a fantastic safe and family friendly environment to dance in the streets. ”

The sunshine was a massive delight over the weekend, and people loved popular entertainments including the giant huggableBalloon Monsters, French circus company Barolosolo in their astounding watery caper, Boulevard of Dreams - an energetic promenade performance by students of Whitireia and Weltec enlivening the alley ways of Hannah Courtyard, the ethereal and magical Ladybug Opera, and the masses of drumming Batucada parades keeping the streets dancing!

Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says CubaDupa was an urban magnet for happy people who loved the diversity and creativity.“My favourite inspiration was the Pokarekare Ana mass sing with College and community choirs , Ngati Poneke, the RNZAF brass band, Orchestra Wellington and many others,” she says.

As part of the Sustainable Business Network, CubaDupa aims to become an eco- friendly street festival by encouraging walking, cycling and public transport where possible, and by promoting a strong recycling kaupapa.

“The people of Cuba Street love to party and recycle! A huge effort was made to divert as much waste from landfill as possible over the weekend. It couldn't have happened without the help of our awesome volunteers and the Wellington City Council. We're looking forward to seeing more large events doing the right thing. Thanks Cuba quarter!” - Ben Phillips, Zero Waste Coordinator.

Team CubaDupa wishes to sincerely thank our partners, supporters, artists, retailers, hospitality, and the attendees - without whom the festival could not happen or be so amazing!

Special thanks must go to our five foundation sponsors Wellington City Council, Wellington International Airport, Cato Brand Partners, The Wellington Company and MediaWorks.

Details for the next CubaDupa will be announced in the next few months. We look forward to seeing you all there!

CubaDupa 2016 by the numbers
CubaDupa Attendees: estimated 100,000
CubaDupa Artists: 1,428
CubaDupa Events: 113
Retailer Events: 25
Moore Wilson's Street Food Festival / Wellington Night Market stalls: 97

ENDS

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