Cuba Street Salvation Army at CubaDupa 

Cuba Street Salvation Army (CSSA) in Wellington was proud to be part of Aotearoa’s biggest street festival, CubaDupa, on 23 and 24 March. Organiser, Noah Spargo, invited students from local universities to perform on the CSSA’s officially endorsed event stage. ‘We wanted to give students the opportunity to play at a big festival, to be recognised and to have people listen to their music,’ says Noah. In addition to these live acts, CSSA also entertained the crowds with their own in-house bands.

‘We were very happy to be involved in the festival in an official capacity, as well as continuing to put CSSA out there as an organisation doing things in our community,’ says Noah.

 On Sunday afternoon, the Cuba Street Brass Band played and marched down Cuba Street. ‘It was a powerful thing to do—to walk down Cuba Street declaring God’s message through music,’ shares Noah.

In addition to an overflowing café, festival-goers were able to enjoy a sausage while listening to live music through speakers set up outside. ‘The entire event was organised and run by a large team of volunteers,’ says Noah. ‘Without them it wouldn’t have happened. We had people serving in the café, supporting our Family Store stand, selling sausages, and providing technical support. It was awesome to have an event where every generation of volunteers were able to come and contribute in a way that was natural for them.’

‘We were very happy with the event and stoked that we could be involved in the festival in an official capacity, as well as continuing to put CSSA out there as an organisation doing things in our community,’ says Noah. ‘CubaDupa is one of the many opportunities we have to connect with people in a less traditional context. It was great that people came into our space and asked, “Who are you and what are you doing?” We plan to build on this event and be back at CubaDupa in 2025!’