22 - 31 Aug 08 - SHINJU MATSURI - The Festival of the Pearl - "The People The Tide The Story" so here is a brief history for those interested:
"In 1969 a group of spirited locals began to organise a town festival to celebrate and acknowledge Broome's distinct multicultural heritage. Incorporating Japanese, Aboriginal, Malay Filipino and Chinese cultural traditions, Shinju Matsuri (which is Japanese for "Festival of the Pearl") was an opportunity to celebrate the pearling industry and the many varying cultures in the wonderful remote and harsh and beautiful and unforgiving Kimberley town of Broome. The intermingling of different characters, nationalities, customs, languages and beliefs that made Broome unlike anywhere else....... and a place and reason to celebrate the blending of Indigenous, Asian, Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, Malay and European cultures." The Broome Advertiser 21 August 2008.
