Parrtjima - A Festival in Light will dazzle visitors and invite them to immerse in the only authentic Aboriginal light festival of its kind when it returns to Alice Springs in 2025 from 4 - 13 April.
Celebrating its tenth iteration the free 10-night festival will be an extravaganza of breathtaking light installations, music and talks by Aboriginal artists, musicians, storytellers, and performers.
Set against the ancient MacDonnell Ranges - a 300-million-year-old natural canvas - at Alice Springs Desert Park, Parrtjima animates the art and stories of Aboriginal people through innovative light installations and continues to hold authentic, creative, and cultural connections at its heart, attracting local, interstate and international eventgoers.
The festival celebrates Aboriginal art and culture by seamlessly weaving narratives across various mediums to create a truly immersive experience and has a significant social and economic impact on Alice Springs with 9 in 10 attendees agreeing that Parrtjima has a positive impact on the Alice Springs community, along with almost 90% of Territorian attendees agree events like Parrtjima make the NT a more enjoyable place to live.
In addition to this, Parrtjima evoked a sense of pride about being a Territorian for almost 4 in every 5 Territorian attendees, and increased how connected they feel to their community for about 80% of Alice Springs residents.
Parrtjima 2024 attracted over 21,000 attendances with 47.2% of attendees being first timers. The opening weekend saw the second highest attendance to date.
Northern Territory Major Events Company delivers Parrtjima in partnership with creative partners, Grumpy Sailor, and events destination company, We Are Gather. Parrtjima 2024 injected $12.22 million into the NT economy, with $9.42 million benefitting Alice Springs directly. Of this stimulus, $10.23 million represents new money to the Territory's economy.
The only authentic Aboriginal light festival of its kind, Parrtjima 2024 embraced modern technology to share age-old stories across six installations. Next year's festival will offer a celebration fit for number ten.
To stay in touch and find out when you can register to attend sign up at [http://www.parrtjimaaustralia.com.au]
Quotes from Northern Territory Major Events Company Acting CEO Trevor Cox:
"Parrtjima - A Festival in Light will illuminate Alice Springs in 2025 with immersive and awe-inspiring installations that invite attendees to be a part of Parrtjima and learn about the world's oldest living culture."
"The free family-friendly event continues to share the captivating and important stories of Aboriginal people on Arrernte country in creative ways that reach new audiences while benefitting the local community and economy.
"In 2024, Parrtjima shone brightly with 21,363 attendances, recording the second biggest opening weekend with more than 8000 visitors."
Quotes from Parrtjima Curator Rhoda Roberts AO:
"More than ever, we all need to experience Parrtjima, as the festival continues to shine new light on age-old traditions and fresh expressions.
"It echoes the urgent need to honour the legacy of culture and the stories that connect us all across time."
