Liverpool City Council's Director of Community and Lifestyle, Tina Bono, has expressed heartfelt thanks to Liverpool's vibrant Latin community for their overwhelming support of two of Council's recent major cultural initiatives – Primavera and the Exilio: Chile to Southwest Sydney exhibition.
The events recently came in the top five and won their categories at the 2025 Best Latin Awards.
Primavera was awarded Best Latin Community Event and Exilio won the Best Latin Exhibition.
"These awards are not just a recognition of successful events, they're a celebration of the energy, spirit and partnership between Council, our Latin communities and the dedicated staff who brought these events to life," Ms Bono said.
"I thank the Latin American community for backing these events with such pride, passion and enthusiasm.
"Your presence and participation turned these celebrations into something truly special."
Ms Bono also praised the commitment and creativity of Council staff involved in curating and delivering both award-winning events, the latest in a long list of awards for Experience the World events.
"To all the staff who poured their time, effort and talent into Primavera and Exilio congratulations. These accolades reflect your dedication to excellence and inclusivity in everything you do," she said.
Held over three days in Macquarie Mall, Primavera was a colourful and joyous street festival that celebrated the culture, food, and music of South America, drawing tens of thousands of locals and visitors to Liverpool.
The Exilio exhibition at Liverpool Regional Museum provided a powerful and moving exploration of Chilean exile following the 1973 military coup, showcasing art, history, and personal testimonies.
"These events highlight Liverpool's ability to deliver high-quality, meaningful and culturally rich celebrations," Ms Bono said.
"They also reflect the extraordinary diversity of our city, where more than 150 different ethnicities and 140 languages come together in celebratory harmony."
Liverpool City Council remains committed to recognising and uplifting the stories of all its communities through arts, festivals, education and shared experience.
"These awards remind us that when we honour and celebrate our diversity, we strengthen our community," Ms Bono said.
"Thank you again to everyone who helped us make this possible."
Watch the Media Video Statement by Tina Bono here
Background
Exilio: Chile to Southwest Sydney exhibition
Exilio: Chile to Southwest Sydney was a powerful and deeply moving exhibition hosted by the Liverpool Regional Museum, celebrating the resilience and cultural heritage of the Chilean exile community in Western Sydney. The exhibition traced the journey of thousands of Chileans who fled the brutal dictatorship following the 1973 military coup led by General Augusto Pinochet. Many of these exiles found new beginnings in Liverpool and surrounding suburbs, enriching the social and cultural fabric of the region.
Curated by Liverpool City Council's Anthony Nolan and Chilean-Australian filmmaker Milena Sanhueza Ben-David, Exilio brought together personal stories, rare archival photographs, poignant video interviews, and significant cultural objects, including traditional Mapuche items and vibrant Arpilleras: textile artworks made by women as acts of protest and remembrance. The exhibition was widely praised for its authenticity and emotional impact, particularly the powerful video testimonies that captured the voices and memories of exiled Chileans and their families.
It stood as a testament to Liverpool's commitment to honouring its diverse community stories and the importance of preserving migrant histories for future generations.
Primavera Festival
Liverpool City Council's Primavera Festival was as a vibrant celebration of Latin American culture, captivating the community and invigorating the local economy. Held over three days from October 25 to 27, 2024 in Macquarie Mall, the festival attracted approximately 35,000 attendees, contributing an estimated $1.55 million to Liverpool's economy.
As part of the Council's Experience the World cultural events program, Primavera showcased the rich traditions of Latin America through live music, dance performances, and a variety of culinary delights. The festival featured salsa, cumbia, and samba rhythms, complemented by authentic street food vendors and vibrant market stalls. Family-friendly activities, including sombrero decorating, mini piñatas, and face painting, added to the festive atmosphere.
The success of Primavera underscores Liverpool's commitment to fostering cultural diversity and community engagement. By transforming the city centre into a dynamic hub of cultural exchange, the festival not only provided entertainment but also stimulated local businesses and tourism. This aligns with the broader impact of the "Experience the World" program, which has generated over $25 million for the local economy since July 2023. Primavera stands as a testament to the power of cultural festivals in uniting communities and driving economic growth.
Images from the Exilio Exhibition
Images from Primavera
