There is a place where wonder awaits, where thousands of years of stories from First Nations people are illuminated and brought to life in one unforgettable experience.
Parrtjima – A Festival in Light is the only authentic Aboriginal light festival of its kind in the world and a must-do experience for people of all ages.
Held in Alice Springs (Mparntwe) from 7-16 April 2023, Parrtjima is an extraordinary FREE 10-night family friendly festival, with an incredible program featuring light installations, artworks, performances, interactive workshops, music, film and talks.
Be part of the story
Parrtjima is the meeting place where old meets new. The festival showcases the oldest continuous culture on Earth through the newest technology – all on the 300-million-year-old natural canvas of the MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia.
Each year this free event celebrates the ways in which artists evolve and experiment with different styles and materials, while staying true to culture on Country.
Parrtjima is held in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), which is connected to the estates of Mparntwe, Antulye and Irlpme. This includes a network of elders and Traditional Owners who have connections to these areas, some of whom are members of the Parrtjima Festival Reference Group (PFRG), which helps guide the evolution of Parrtjima.
Together, they invite visitors to come and experience Parrtjima.
A stunning outback location
There is a place where birds chatter in the gum trees, fingers of light caress the red dirt and shooting stars fly across the night sky.
This is Arrernte Country – six-season country from the flat desert plains to the soaring MacDonnell Ranges (Tjorta) which provide a majestic outback backdrop for Parrtjima unlike any other.
Transforming the outback landscape into a living, breathing canvas, visitors can capture the wonder and magic of Parrtjima at night, then drink in panoramic vistas and enjoy exciting outback adventures during the day.
Add a Red Centre adventure and Parrtjima experience to your bucket list now!
Listening with Heart
The theme for Parrtjima 2023 is Listening with Heart. Inspired by the artwork surrounding the Statement from the Heart, Listening with Heart embodies the concept of coming together, meeting, and taking the time to contemplate and reflect.
A group of artists from Multijulu, led by Maruku artist Rene Kulitja, created the Statement from the Heart artwork. It depicts Uluru-Ku Tjukurrpa (The Uluru Story of connection). Rene will work alongside a number of artists to bring the stunning piece to life as a large-scale immersive light and sound installation at Parrtjima.
As the heart of Parrtjima 2023, the installation will immerse visitors in the world of the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands surrounding Uluru.
Hear the potency of ancient songlines and Indigenous perspectives of what Country means – learning to walk together and connecting, while listening to the First Peoples’ deep connection to land, water and sky.
Under Desert Skies
Watch the desert landscape burst into light at Parrtjima in 2023.
The free public festival keeps the flame of story and authentic Aboriginal culture alive through a dazzling program of light installations, artworks, performance, interactive workshops, music, films and talks.
Parrtjima is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage with the world’s oldest living culture, whether you’re a local or visitor.
Come and be a part of something bigger in 2023.
