COWRA FESTIVAL OF INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING
The 2024 Cowra Festival of International Understanding will take place with guest nation, Italy!
The Festival originated in the mid-1960s at a time when the town was coming to recognise the benefits of promoting understanding between nations. It is a credit to the local community — and recognition of their support for this first event — that the Festival immediately grabbed the public's attention. Cowra Festival of International Understanding (originally the Festival of the Lachlan Valley) is a community-based event focusing on Cowra's unique place as the home of reconciliation.
Proudly hosting Australia's World Peace Bell — this honour derived from Cowra's first-hand experience of war with the POW Breakout of Japanese prisoners in 1944.
Motivated Youth Ambassadors are selected each year to travel to the Guest Nation Embassy and share what they have learnt in Cowra.
Annual events for the FOIU include a Tree Planting Ceremony, Ringing of the Cowra Peace Bell, Street Parade and Carnival and of course, the famous Cowra Duck Race!
FESTIVAL PROGRAM
Join us for the Cowra Festival of International Understanding with guest nation Italy from the 22nd - 24th of March 2024!
Festa Italiana Opening Dinner - 22nd March
Kick off the Festival with Festa Italiana where the Mayor will welcome the Italian Ambassador Paolo Crudele and introduce the 2024 Youth Ambassadors. Enjoy beautiful Italian food catered by the fabulous Jo Robson, and authentic Italian entertainment by Jay and Gisele, fused with classic Aussie tunes provided by local musician Emily Reynolds.
Cowra Showground Heritage Pavilion I $70 I 6pm
Street Parade and Carnival - 23rd March
Enjoy rides, Performances, Stalls, Bar, Duck Race, Pizza Competition and more at the Cowra Festival Parade and Carnival!
Kendal Street to Bryant Park I 3pm
DUCK RACE
Hosted by the Cowra Youth Council, Rotary Club of Cowra and Cowra SES, the Festival Duck Race is a great way to raise money for those in need, and enjoy a day by the river at the same time!
Individuals can sponsor a duck for $5 through the Rotary Club of Cowra, the Cowra Visitor Information Centre or directly online.
Corporate Ducks are $50 each with some great prizes up for grabs!
The Duck Race will be held on Saturday 23 March 2024 on the Galari Bila Lachlan River at the Low Level Bridge.