Go Mad for Mangoes
THERE’S NO DOUBT about it, mangoes are delicious. And with the Northern Territory producing more than half of the national mango haul, a festival in honour of the humble fruit seems only fair. Cue the inaugural Mango Madness Festival!
Things are about to get all sweet and juicy at Darwin Waterfront, with a day of fruity fun and mango goodness coming your way.
Northern Territory Mango Industry Association President Leo Skliros says the event was created to shine a light on the Territory’s mango industry.
“We’re putting the festival on for a few reasons, and one of those is that we want to bring awareness to what the mango industry does for the NT – it creates a lot of jobs and contributes to the economy,” he says.
“It also gives people another excuse to party, with a fun, friendly gathering. It’s got something for everyone, with loads of family friendly activities but also a few cocktails and other treats suitable for those over 18.”
Enjoy tantalising food stalls with mango inspired food and drinks, tastings, entertainment, loads of fun activities and competitions, educational displays and workshops.
With the success of the inaugural Darwin Mango Cup earlier this year, it’s only too clear how much the fruit is adored by Top Enders, Dom’s Bar & Lounge taking out top spot for the Territori-Tini, now a permanent fixture on the bar’s menu.
With the inaugural festival also comes the introduction of the It Takes Two to Mango initiative.
Participating restaurants, cafes and bars across the Darwin and rural areas can receive free mangoes to create mango-inspired recipes in the lead up to the festival, thanks to the generosity of local mango growers and free delivery from the team at Simon George & Sons.
“In the week leading up to the festival, we’re assisting with the COVID recovery by giving away 10 tonnes of mangoes to businesses to create mango inspired food and drinks – mangoes can be enjoyed in more ways than just eaten fresh,” Skliros says.
“They’re such a versatile fruit, and we’d love for people to realise their potential in the same way avocados have. These days, chicken and avocado salads are pretty common, but that wasn’t always the case.
“We really just want people to have a good time at the festival and understand that mangoes are very important to the NT.”
So round up the crew and get ready to go mad for mangoes. Sweet as.
Mango Madness Festival
WHEN SUN 25 OCT | 10AM-5PM
AT DARWIN WATERFRONT
COST FREE-$10
INFO mangomadnessfestival.com.au
Photo: Tuo's Garden
