The challenges and opportunities of community celebrations that value diversity and foster unity: Beyond ‘spaghetti and polka’

There is an interplay between celebrations that value the individual, foster connection with others like oneself, those that seek to value diversity across communities and those that identify with the whole-of-community in ways that respect individual diversity. This article explores the contribution of celebrations towards valuing diversity and the importance of celebrations that are responsive to the dynamic, multidimensional nature of communities. It draws on doctoral research reviewing contemporary festivals held around Australia. Arguments are made for the consideration of celebrations that enable a shared experience and celebrate each individual’s uniqueness.