Tidal Treasures
21st August to 6th September
Research and promotion of the historical and cultural legacy of Shinju Matsuri is funded by Lotterywest.
The setting: Broome 1969 – population around 2400 people. A depressed economy and a changing pearling industry.
The Broome Pearling Industry created an influx of workers from all over South-East Asia, which created a unique multi-cultural population.
The idea that Broome could hold a Festival showcasing this diverse multiculturalism, was a suggestion at a meeting of the Broome Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycee’s) by some of the local business people and the President (Trevor Foote) to benefit the town’s economy, by bringing in more tourists.
The Broome Pearling Industry created an influx of workers from all over South-East Asia, which created a unique multi-cultural population.
The idea that Broome could hold a Festival showcasing this diverse multiculturalism, was a suggestion at a meeting of the Broome Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycee’s) by some of the local business people and the President (Trevor Foote), to benefit the town’s economy, by bringing in more tourists.
Talks began with representatives from each of these cultural groups, i.e. the Chinese, Japanese, Malay and Aboriginal, to discuss how they could combine each group’s annual celebrations, into showcasing them in one, week-long Festival.
This festival could foster greater understanding and appreciation among the different groups, promoting unity and respect, while celebrating diversity. It would be a fantastic way to strengthen community bonds and create lasting memories!
The founders wanted a name that reflected the uniqueness of Broome, so they asked members of the various cultural groups to put forward their suggestions and together, they decided on “Shinju Matsuri” (Festival of the Pearl).
The Festival was to incorporate and reflect the celebrations of the Chinese Community’s “Hang Seng” (Hungry Ghost), the Japanese “O’bon” (Celebration of Souls) and Malaysian “Hari Merdeka” (Celebration of Independence).
These dedicated locals, worked together with representatives from each group, as well as with the Aboriginal community and the Pearling Industry, to bring the Festival to life.
The founders of Shinju Matsuri (Festival of the Pearl) could not have imagined what they were giving birth to, and that over 50 years later, we are still celebrating the town’s amazing cultural history and community, in a Festival to be enjoyed by all!
We would like to acknowledge and thank all past and present Committee & Board members, Patrons, Volunteers and Sponsors, who have contributed to the ongoing success of the Festival over the past 50 + years.
Sammy the Dragon has been an integral part of the festival since it began.
There have been five “Sammy’s” over the years. The initial Sammy was a Chinese Lion, donated by the Broome Chinese Community and when he retired in 1975, a new Sammy was purchased by Shinju Matsuri.
This Sammy was a traditional Dragon and 31M long. Brian Coppin from the Roebuck Hotel, replaced Sammy #2 with a new dragon from China #3 and, when that Sammy was ready to retire, he replaced him with Sammy #4.
Thank you, Brian Coppin.
The Roebuck Hotel has always been the ‘rest and refreshment stop’ for “Sammy the Dragon” during the Float Parade and the Festival & Sammy really does appreciate it.
In 2023, Shinju Matsuri and the Sammy team held a Fundraising drive to purchase Sammy#5 who will hopefully be with us for another 20 or more years.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Broome Historical Society & Museum for generously providing historical images and for their ongoing dedication to preserving Broome’s rich heritage. Their commitment to protecting the stories and legacy of our town has helped keep the spirit and history of Shinju Matsuri alive for over 50 years.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website may contain images or names of people who have since passed away.
Shinju Matsuri Festival acknowledges Traditional Owners of this saltwater Country and recognises the continuing connection to lands and waters of Rubibi (Broome). We pay our respect to elders past, present and emerging.
