KURRING IN KAKADU
Celebrate the Kurrung season in Kakadu, when the days are warm, the nights are cool, and the magpie geese are on the move.
WORDS BROOKE GIBBS
IMAGE STEVE KELK, FOLDBACK MAGAZINE
HELD DURING THE Kurring season in Kakadu, Jabiru’s annual Mahbilil Festival returns to celebrate Kakadu culture, both traditional and contemporary.
Named after the cooling afternoon breeze, the Festival brings people from around Kakadu and West Arnhem together, as well as people from Darwin, Katherine, and many tourists.
Held over two days and running from midday to midnight, festivalgoers can enjoy a swag of activities including workshops for kids, Indigenous art exhibitions and demonstrations of weaving, competitions, painting, sport, film and more.
Bush food features prominently with traditional foods including magpie goose, buffalo and barramundi cooked in a traditional gungerre ground oven. Keen to get hands-on? Join one of the weaving, painting, cultural and spear-making workshops.
With a live art exhibition on display, view stunning works by renowned artist, Ivan Namarnyilk, that reflect Country, culture and connection. If you see any art that takes your fancy, the great news is that all artwork is available for sale at the exhibition.
As night falls, the Marrawuddi Arts & Culture lawns come alive with projections, light shows and music that’s gonna leave you dancing ‘til late. Headlined by Christine Anu and Shellie Morris, the main stage boasts a stellar line-up of music acts including B2M, Bininj Band, Nabarlek Band, and Nathan Fejo.
One of Australia’s most celebrated recording artists and live performers, Christine Anu brings a powerful voice and captivating stage presence. Multi-award-winning singer/songwriter Shellie Morris, sings in around 20 Australian Aboriginal languages, preserving and promoting culture.
The Festival also encompasses the Kurrung Sports Carnival run by West Arnhem Regional Council, which sees teams from across the Top End compete.
There’s no better time to do Kakadu!
Mahbilil Festival
WHEN FRI 28 - SAT 29 AUG 12PM-12AM
Art Exhibition
WHEN FRI 28 AUG, 4-7PM
AT MARRAWUDDI ARTS & CULTURE LAWNS
COST FREE | $30 WORKSHOPS
INFO mahbilil.com.au
