A traditional Chinese dragon is the centre-piece of the festival, and people proudly display their ethnic origins, and celebrate a pearling history that has made their getaway town the envy of the world.
The festival will tempt your senses with an exciting whirlwind of colour, sound, taste and smell.
Shinju Matsuri rekindles the excitement and romance of Broome’s early days of being a world-renowned producer of South Sea Pearls that came from the Maxima Pinctada giant Pearl Shell. These giant pearl shells were used for mother of pearl buttons and the bi product of this was the highly sort after natural white pearls. The shells grew well in the pristine and isolated waters of the Kimberley coast. Japanese, Chinese, Malay, Koepangers, Filipino and Europeans flocked to Broome from the late 1800’s to be a part of this prosperity. This unique multicultural population of pearl industry workers joined with the local Aboriginal people and Europeans to work on up to 400 Pearling Luggers that sailed out of Broome. This influence on architecture and the local cultures contributed to the spirit and energy that is still present in the exotic town of Broome today.
Shinju Matsuri rekindles the excitement and romance of Broome’s early days of being a world-renowned producer of South Sea Pearls that came from the Maxima Pinctada giant Pearl Shell. These giant pearl shells were used for mother of pearl buttons and the bi product of this was the highly sort after natural white pearls. The shells grew well in the pristine and isolated waters of the Kimberley coast. Japanese, Chinese, Malay, Koepangers, Filipino and Europeans flocked to Broome from the late 1800’s to be a part of this prosperity. This unique multicultural population of pearl industry workers joined with the local Aboriginal people and Europeans to work on up to 400 Pearling Luggers that sailed out of Broome. This influence on architecture and the local cultures contributed to the spirit and energy that is still present in the exotic town of Broome today.
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| Shinju Matsuri |
The annual Shinju Matsuri (which is Japanese for “Festival of the Pearl”) originated from three cultural festivals – Japanese Obon Matsuri, Malaysian Hari Merdeka, Independence Day from British rule in 1957, and the Chinese Hang Seng. The Festival united these cultural groups. From these original cultural celebrations the Shinju Matsuri then became a festival that celebrated Broome and encouraged tourism.
Establishing itself as a unique festival in 1970, certification was gained on the seventh day of August 1973 when Shinju Matsuri Inc became incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act. Shinju Matsuri ran for many years on volunteer/donated assistance from local families and businesses. Broomes people and businesses have given generously to show their love of Broome over the 42 year life of the Festival and is a testament to the character and culture of this special place. The history of Shinju Matsuri continues to enhance the Festival, through events that showcase the local performing artists and visual artists, involvement with the schools through performance and educational opportunities, the magnificent venues, both indoor and outdoor that are unique to Broome and though visiting cultural performers and special guests.
Establishing itself as a unique festival in 1970, certification was gained on the seventh day of August 1973 when Shinju Matsuri Inc became incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act. Shinju Matsuri ran for many years on volunteer/donated assistance from local families and businesses. Broomes people and businesses have given generously to show their love of Broome over the 42 year life of the Festival and is a testament to the character and culture of this special place. The history of Shinju Matsuri continues to enhance the Festival, through events that showcase the local performing artists and visual artists, involvement with the schools through performance and educational opportunities, the magnificent venues, both indoor and outdoor that are unique to Broome and though visiting cultural performers and special guests.
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| Shinju Matsuri |
The volunteer Board of Shinju Matsuri is driven by the community and sees the festival as an opportunity to re-educate and inform the community of the cultural heritage of Broome. Ensuring that education and information is passed on to young people and new arrivals will assure that Broome’s unique and diverse identity is acknowledged and remembered through the generations and Shinju Matsuri has the power to do this.
While pearling continues in Broome, and our pearls are still considered some of the best in the world, it is no longer the major industry. Industries such as tourism, pastoral, mining and resources have become stronger and development of the area is ongoing.
While pearling continues in Broome, and our pearls are still considered some of the best in the world, it is no longer the major industry. Industries such as tourism, pastoral, mining and resources have become stronger and development of the area is ongoing.
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| Shinju Matsuri |
Shinju Matsuri will tempt your senses with an exciting whirlwind of colour, sound, taste and smell as the community share with the world this beautiful locale and the people who call it home. By recognizing the many different cultures that have existed harmoniously in Broome for over a century Shinju Matsuri showcase Broome’s natural beauty, unique history and diverse character to the outside world.
August 28 to September 6, 2015
Broome, Australia's North West
Broome, Australia's North West
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