The Northern Territory's spectacular Parrtjima – A Festival in Light is set to dazzle as locals invite visitors to in submerge themselves in the Aboriginal light festival.
In 2025, Parrtjima celebrates its tenth iteration with the free 10-night festival. The one of a kind cultural experience returns to Alice Springs in 2025 from 4 -13 April.
Parrtjima is the only Aboriginal light festival of its kind in the world – proudly showcasing the oldest continuous cultures on Earth through modern technology against the backdrop of the MacDonnell Ranges – a 300-million-year-old natural canvas.
Parrtjima (pronounced Par-Chee-ma) means 'lighting up' and conveys two meanings: physically illuminating an object with light and 'lighting up' as in to shed light and understanding on a subject.
The event will be an extravaganza of light installations, music and talks by Aboriginal artists.
The festival celebrates Aboriginal art and culture by seamlessly weaving narratives across various mediums to create a truly immersive experience.
Parrtjima – A Festival in Light is delivered by Northern Territory Major Events Company. Acting chief executive Trevor Cox said people continue to return to the festival as it offers visitors a unique opportunity to listen, learn and connect with Arrernte and Mparntwe Aboriginal culture.
Parrtjima Curator Rhoda Roberts AO said: "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," she said.
Set against the ancient MacDonnell Ranges 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 event-goers.
"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," said Mr 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.
"In 2024, Parrtjima shone brightly with 21,363 attendances, including 32% of people coming from all over Australia and even internationally to witness this spectacular event, recording the second biggest opening weekend with more than 8000 visitors."
The festival is not the only thing to do in the Red Centre in April – visitors can also experience the six-day Red Centre Light Trial and head to the Field of Light and Wintjiri Wiru among other light installations.