In celebration of the much-anticipated Frida Kahlo: In her own image exhibition opening at Bendigo Art Gallery on March 15, a vibrant Bendigo Fiesta marketing campaign has been launched with over 70 Mexican-inspired events and experiences for visitors and residents.
Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said it was a huge scoop for Bendigo Art Gallery to have secured the exclusive Frida Kahlo exhibition.
“This major exhibition has never been seen before in Australia, and only rarely shown internationally. It comes direct from Mexico’s Museo Frida Kahlo and features the iconic artist’s personal items including her fashion collection, make up, accessories, photographs, drawings and two celebrated paintings,” Cr Metcalf said.
“This exhibition, complemented by the exciting Fiesta Bendigo campaign, is a fantastic opportunity for our region. Following on the from the success of previous destination campaigns, Fiesta Bendigo offers unique events, experiences and products to entice visitors to stay longer, shop, dine and spend, and explore other parts of our beautiful region while they are here. It puts Greater Bendigo on the map as a must-visit destination and that is a major boost to our local economy, supporting businesses and jobs.
“Fiesta Bendigo celebrates all things Mexican with plenty of colour, dance, food, music and a great program line up. The program will be marketed throughout Victoria and interstate alongside the exhibition. I encourage you to take a look and join the Fiesta fun.”
A tasty initiative is the launch of The Taco Trail running from March to July, involving over 20 local eateries who have risen to the challenge to serve up unique taco creations to savour, from meaty, vegan to sweet delights.
Local residents and visitors can explore The Taco Trail and are encouraged to vote for their favourite taco from the selection on offer. By voting, you will automatically enter a draw to win a VIP weekend for two in Bendigo valued at over $1,000 (only Victorian residents). The finale will be a best taco competition in early June with professional culinary judges having the final say on the top taco in town. Hospitality businesses have also put together Mexican-inspired menus, tasting plates, mouth-watering desserts, Mexican cocktails and beverages.
Hargreaves Mall will be transformed for a Fiesta Bendigo Street Party on Saturday May 3, 2025 to celebrate the music, food, culture, fashion and dance of Mexico. Fun free activities for the kids are also planned to include piñatas, facepainting and craft workshops. There will be stage performances from The Mexican Music Man, and the vibrant Mexbourne Dance Company. Until July, a wide range of Mexican-inspired events will be held in Hargreaves Mall offering free interactive family activities.
Visitors and residents can also experience a wide range of cultural festivals and events, music, exhibitions, and themed events, including the Bendigo Latin Festival, the Dahlia Arts Festival, Mexican cooking classes and film screenings, flora headpiece workshops, make up sessions, and a mosaic show.
Several Bendigo Tourism retailers have embraced the Fiesta theme with colourful displays and Mexican-inspired merchandise. You can bring the vibrant spirit of Fiesta Bendigo home with exclusive gastronomic merchandise and Mexican-inspired hampers available at Uniquely Bendigo, located inside the Bendigo Visitor Centre. There are also special accommodation packages for visitors.
Perfect selfie spots in public spaces around the city centre capture the Bendigo Fiesta mood. The Bendigo letters at the piazza in Rosalind Park will be transformed on March 14 with the vibrant floral Fiesta Bendigo branding and the striking VIVA letters will also be installed near the Conservatory Gardens. Wrapped in bold, colourful artwork, the letters are inspired by Frida Kahlo's iconic Viva La Vida painting.
Bendigo Tramways will present La Música Tram which will host party evenings on the move, while the stationary Tram Café has been transformed into a floral Fiesta Tram.
Chancery Lane features a vibrant street art mural El Callejón Azul created by artists Louise Davis, Tomi McManus and Wes Franklin. By temporarily renaming Chancery Lane ‘El Callejón Azul’ (The Blue Alley), the mural is inspired by the colours of Frida Kahlo’s home and includes plant life, animals and festive marigold garlands. The iconic red doors at the Engine Room on View Street are sporting a Mexican-inspired makeover with a stunning artwork from Dale Harris featuring a carnival performer.
Bendigo Visitor Centre has a Fiesta façade and an interior wall featuring Fiesta Bendigo branding and bunting. Bendigo Railway Station has a vibrant new artwork, Love in Neon by Carly Wood, to create a welcoming space for commuters and visitors. The project was in partnership with the Department of Transport and Planning and V/Line.
For the Fiesta program and to keep updated, head to:
Locations:
Greater Bendigo