Parrtjima – A Festival in Light

Parrtjima – A Festival in Light will return to illuminate Alice Springs (Mparntwe) country and culture from 12-21 April 2024 for its ninth year. The only authentic Aboriginal light festival of its kind, Parrtjima is an extraordinary 10-night celebration of Aboriginal culture in the stunning Red Centre.

This year, the free festival’s theme is ‘Interconnectedness’. It will delve into how everything in Indigenous culture is connected, with a focus on the intricacies of the planting seasons and Indigenous Australians’ connection with the land and kwatye, which means both water and rain in Arrernte, and which connects us all.

Curated by Rhoda Roberts AO, Parrtjima showcases the oldest continuous culture on Earth through the newest technology, sharing timeless stories in creative new ways. Signature installations include the MacDonnell Ranges Light Show, the transformation of almost two kilometres of the 300-million-year-old MacDonnell Ranges into a natural canvas, and Grounded, an immersive installation that projects animated Western and Central Desert art onto the red sand of Alice Springs Desert Park.

Parrtjima is also the perfect reason to experience the incredible Red Centre Light Trail which features other iconic experiences such as Wintjiri Wiru and Field of Light at Uluru, and Light Towers at Kings Canyon.

Parrtjima is supported by the Northern Territory Government and delivered by Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC).

The festival is free to attend, though registrations are essential. Register at https://parrtjimaaustralia.com.au/