In the vast, mystic expanse of Australia’s Red Centre, a transformative cultural event is on the horizon: Parrtjima – A Festival in Light. Scheduled from April 12 to 21, 2024, this awe-inspiring festival not only promises to dazzle with its visual spectacles but also aims to deepen our understanding of the Indigenous culture’s interconnectedness with nature.

Parrtjima, a free event, is not just a festival; it’s a vibrant celebration of the Indigenous Australian ethos of unity and connection. The 2024 edition, themed ‘Interconnectedness’, explores the intricate relationship between Indigenous people, the land, and kwatye – a term in the Arrernte language signifying both water and rain. This concept symbolizes the universal bond shared by all forms of life.

One of the festival’s crowning jewels is the Ranges Light Show, a stunning visual feast set against the 300-million-year-old MacDonnell Ranges. Nearly two kilometres of this ancient natural canvas come alive with lights, sharing timeless Indigenous stories in a dazzling new format. Accompanying this is Grounded, an immersive installation that projects animated Western and Central Desert art onto the red sands of Alice Springs Desert Park, creating a magical fusion of art and nature.

The festival, held in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), represents a significant evolutionary leap this year. Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) has joined hands with Grumpy Sailor, a creative experience design studio, and We Are Gather, an events destination company, to elevate the Parrtjima experience. These collaborations promise to infuse innovative technologies with traditional storytelling methods, offering a bold and unique experience to visitors.

Grumpy Sailor CEO and Founder, James Boyce, expressed his excitement about helping Parrtjima reach new heights. He emphasized the festival’s core elements of story, art, music, and light, noting how it inspires wonder, shares knowledge, and establishes cultural respect.

Rhoda Roberts AO, the Parrtjima Curator, eloquently described the significance of this festival. She highlighted the deep-rooted interconnectedness in Arrernte culture, where life was guided by storytelling, ceremony, and song lines, connecting the entire nation.

NTMEC CEO Suzana Bishop conveyed her enthusiasm about the festival’s new phase, emphasizing its role in showcasing the unique stories and artwork of First Nations people in Arrernte country.

Parrtjima 2024 is not only a festival but a journey into the heart of Australia’s Indigenous culture. It’s a must-attend event for those seeking to immerse themselves in an authentic, enriching, and enlightening cultural experience.

For more information and to register for this free event, visit Parrtjima Australia.

Written by: Bridget Gomez

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