The final float for the 2024 National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant has been revealed today at Torrens Weir / Pirltawardli and Tininyawardli.
Kumangka malturri – apinthi, pronounced "koo-mung-car mal-doo-ree a-pin-dee," translates to "Coming Together" in Kaurna language, a sentiment that aligns with this year's Pageant theme and honours the Kaurna culture.
The 92nd National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant will take place this Saturday, 2 November and will feature Kumangka malturri – apinthi, the third Kaurna-inspired float since the first Pageant in 1933.
The float is the collective effort of Kaurna Elders Lewis O'Brien AO, Michael O'Brien and Veena Raymond alongside design and artwork by Paul Herzich, Kari Lindsay and Harley Hall. A soundtrack to accompany the float was recorded by Harley Hall, Isaac Hannam and Veena Raymond.
The design is inspired by Kaurna Country landscapes, flora and fauna and the coming together of people around campfires to celebrate community. There are three fireplaces representing the past, the present and the future.
It comes as pageant-goers prepare for the southern hemisphere's biggest public parade, with the 92nd edition set to wind through the city before Father Christmas completes his journey where it all began, in Rundle Mall.
In 2023, the free event attracted more than 320,000 people to the streets of Adelaide.
The National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant marks the beginning of the festive season in South Australia and adds to a blockbuster events calendar drawing visitors to the state, such as the current Chihuly in the Botanic Garden exhibition, upcoming VAILO Adelaide 500, and 25th anniversary of the Santos Tour Down Under.
The National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant is a free, community event. For more information, visit www.christmaspageant.com.au.
As put by Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison
The National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant has always been about bringing people together, but this year with the introduction of Kumangka malturri – apinthi, we are reminded of the importance of coming together in a way that acknowledges and honours the First Nations people of South Australia.
This float is a celebration of unity, but also of respect for the land, the people, and the stories that are part of our collective history.
As put by Brian Gilbertson, Director National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant
The unveiling of Kumangka malturri – apinthi is an incredibly special moment for this year's Pageant and all South Australians.
This float is a profound representation of our theme, Come Together, and for the Pageant team it has once again been a wonderful journey working alongside our Kaurna community leaders and artists to bring that collaborative journey to life.
The Pageant is a celebration for everyone, from all walks of life, and I hope this float will stand as a reminder to us all the enduring connections we can share with Kaurna culture, all people and the land on which we celebrate.
