After being cancelled two years in a row - due to Covid-19 and the Christchurch mosque shootings - the country's biggest street festival is set to turn Wellington into one big party-zone this weekend.
Photo: Supplied / CubaDupa
CubaDupa, based in the Cuba Street precinct, features 500 performances by more than 1750 artists across 49 stages, 20 parades and food stalls. It is expected to attract crowds of about 100,000.
Festival director Gerry Paul said it was an opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate after some tough times.
"I think the fact we're the only country in the world where this is even possible makes it even more special, we realise how lucky we are. It's just what we need right now.
"A lot of these creatives who haven't been able to do what they do for over a year are itching to get on those stages and celebrate the arts and creativity."
Message of support from New Orleans
Artists and performers still stuck in lockdown limbo around the world would be with Wellingtonians "in spirit", he said.
"I got a message from the director of the New Orleans Jazz Festival saying 'We're really there with you guys in spirit and enjoy and make the most of it', so that means a lot. We fully appreciate how fortunate we are."
A centrepiece of this year's event will be the premiere of CubaSonic, a new composition by John Psathas, which will feature more than 300 musicians performing live, including from Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington School of Music -Te Kōkī and many leading musical groups, together with a pre-recorded soundtrack and a Tesla coil.
John Psathas is the driving force behind CubaSonic. Photo: Supplied/ CubaDupa
The university's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Grant Guilford, said Victoria University was delighted to support the festival.
"Wellington is New Zealand's creative capital, and many of our current and former staff, students, and alumni will be contributing to the energy and excitement the event brings to the city streets.
"It has been fantastic to see the festival continue to grow and have such a positive impact on the vibe of the city."
Photo: Supplied / CubaDupa
Wellington's Pride Festival Tū Whakahīhī e Te Whanganui-ā-Tara also finishes today, with a Pride Hīkoi from Frank Kitts Park at 10am to the Michael Fowler Centre, which will be the venue for Out in the City, with all-day performances and stalls.
Meanwhile, skateboarders from around the country are also dropping into the capital for the skate festival and competition Bowlzilla this weekend, which was also cancelled last year because of Covid-19.