2025 Shinju Matsuri Festival
Shinju Matsuri - Festival of the Pearl
The annual Shinju Matsuri (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. Shinju Matsuri rekindles the excitement and romance of Broome’s early days of being a world-renowned producer of South Sea Pearls when the 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.
Broome’s people and businesses have given generously to show their love of Broome over the 48 year life of the Festival and is a testament to the character and culture of this special place. 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.
Shinju Matsuri will tempt your senses with an exciting whirlwind of colour, sound, taste and smell as the community shares this beautiful locale with the world and the people who call it home.
Book your tickets for Shinju Matsuri 2020 online.
The full program of events is on the Shinju Matsuri website, but we have shared just a few below.
Willie Creek Pearls presents Pearl Meat Cook-Off 2020
Thurs, 3 Sept, 4pm - 7pm, Broome Pearl Luggers, SOLD OUT
Broome’s best chefs will create pearl meat masterpieces that ‘celebrate the spirit of Broome’ as they compete for the cook-off crown. Come and taste their creations, enjoy a drink, live music and entertainment! Join us from 4pm -7pm at Pearl Luggers in the heart of Chinatown.
Floating Lantern Matsuri
Fri, Sept 4, 4.30pm, Gatheaume Point
Price: Free to attend
Lantern Kits: $ 15
Send your message out to the universe in one of the most symbolic ways possible at The Floating Lantern Matsuri. Whatever your message is, watch it float in glowing unison with all the other messages into the sunset.