MOSAIC Adelaide returns on Saturday, September 13 with its biggest program yet, bringing together over 30 multicultural communities for a one-night-only celebration of traditional music, dance, food and more.
Taking over the Dom Polski Centre, the festival invites audiences to immerse themselves in South Australia’s rich cultural diversity.
Returning MOSAIC Adelaide favourites, such as The Burundian Drummers Club SA Inc. and Volya Ukrainian Cossack Dancers, will grace the stage alongside the festival’s first ever international act: the Hetura Cultural Dance Group of Papua New Guinea.
Hetura – meaning friendship in the Motu language – will share their infectious energy with Adelaide for the first time, connecting with their Pacific neighbours in a captivating showcase of traditional song and dance.
Simon Vai, leader of the Hetura Cultural Dance Group, said: “As a group whose mission is to share our culture with others, Hetura is absolutely thrilled to represent the people of Papua New Guinea at a festival that truly reflects our own values. MOSAIC Adelaide 2025 is a warm and welcoming space where communities come together to listen, learn and celebrate.”
MOSAIC Adelaide Inc. founder and CEO, Lenard Sciancalepore, said: “MOSAIC Adelaide has always been about sharing culture, rather than just showing it. Don’t just give me the food – show me how to make it. That’s what real, meaningful connection looks like. This festival is the culmination of each and every volunteer’s effort, and every year we’re blown away by the talent and sheer heart that comes through the doors. Without a doubt, 2025 is already shaping up to be our biggest and most exciting year yet.”
Zoe Bettison, Minister for Tourism and Multicultural Affairs and a long-time supporter of MOSAIC Adelaide, has praised the event for its positive impact on mental health and celebration of cultural diversity.
“To Lenard and his team at MOSAIC, this is an event building year upon year. [It’s] a night to celebrate our diversity, [with] fabulous food, fabulous entertainment,” Ms Bettison said.
The festival welcomes back community stallholders, including the Samoan Association of South Australia Inc., Thai-Australian Association of South Australia, Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) and Brazilian Association of South Australia – each returning with new ways for audiences to experience their flavours, traditions and stories.
Anastasia Mavrides, the Chair of Neoléa – the youth branch of the GOCSA – said: “Last year’s taverna-style stall was one of our favourite projects, and our community is already buzzing with excitement for MOSAIC Adelaide 2025. This year, we’re dreaming up something a little different and can’t wait to share it. We’re proud to be returning to the festival and grateful to be part of such a meaningful celebration of Adelaide’s vibrant culture. MOSAIC Adelaide 2025 will be unmissable.”
Run entirely by young volunteers, MOSAIC Adelaide Inc. has grown year-on-year since its inception as a fundraiser led by the Adelaide University Rotaract Club, MOSAIC’s founding partner. Since outgrowing the club, the festival has continued to centre community, creating space for people of all ages and backgrounds to connect.
Rotary Clubs remain an important part of that journey, with the Rotary Clubs of Adelaide, Henley Beach and Unley continuing to support MOSAIC’s community initiatives as proud sponsors in 2025.
Each ticket includes three servings of authentic cuisine from around the globe, with over 30 dishes to choose from. Festivalgoers can also look forward to the return of the Intercultural Fashion Show, with prizes for best cultural dress, and the upstairs Bazaar – the bustling, souk-inspired market space offering more delicious food, as well as experiences such as henna by Saba and turban wrapping by Australian Sikh Support. Children are warmly welcomed, with creative activities available upstairs throughout the evening.
This year’s festival will also serve as a fundraiser, with proceeds supporting MOSAIC Adelaide’s community development projects.
With a program brimming with unique cultural experiences, attendees are encouraged to secure their tickets early to be part of the magic of MOSAIC Adelaide 2025.
