Barunga Festival - June 8th, 9th, 10th

This was a festival our lovely friends, the Beckwoods recommended to us....and they were right.  It was just wonderful.  It is held at Barunga, an Aboriginal community 60km from Katherine. Just a month before the festival, funding was pulled so it was cancelled.  A group called Skinny Fish stepped forward and provided the funding so it went ahead.  However, the initial cancelling of the festival meant the numbers were waaayyyy down from previous years.  A bonus for us.  We were one of maybe 100 total non-indigenous folk at the entire festival! Quite an odd experience within Australia.

I didn't have my camera with me on the first night so missed getting photos - But there was an incredible Hip Hop display from the kids within the surrounding communities.  Boy were they talented!  

We were all so impressed.  The boys had some incredible moves, flipping and jumping all over the place.  Whilst the girls - well, it made me jealous.  I wish I could move like that.  Every single age group had talent.  From 4 and under up to 30+. It was clear it was natural talent too.  Not a lot of formal training opportunities in the outback. They held a competition for the best hip hop performers in each age group.  I was stunned and impressed as Bells got up the courage to join in - the only white girl amongst 30+ 10-12 year olds. A little girl we had met, Charlie, joined Bells for moral support.  

Bells danced her little heart out - pulling out some hip hop moves she had learnt the year before in her dance class.  Charlie was a little butterfly, flitting and following Bells around the stage (outdoor basketball court).  Bells was stoked when Charlie and herself were awarded with $20! One of five winners.

Toli had the privilege of  making a didjeridoo under the watchful eye of an Aboriginal elder.  He seemed quite happy to let him loose with a massive knive though.  As a woman I was not able to assist him...so he was free to blade away.

Toli, an elder and the chief minister of the Northern Territory - politicians are the same everywhere!

Bells made friends with a lovely girl from Holland named Anne-Fleur.  She has two sisters named Jillia and MacClaire.  Anne-Fleur was quite the craftswoman - sewing, felting and drawing.

Toli, being a boy, was lucky enough to be able to enter the U16 spear throwing competition. We thought it would be a novel experience but didn't really expect any high ranking from his throwing.

 

We were wrong!!!! He made it into the finals and then claimed first place!  

$100 prize money...little tin bum.

Toli with Shane, the second place getter.  Shane had pure style with his throws and outfit.

With his prize money, Toli made a visit to the Wrangler stall and bought a whip.  He quickly managed to get a good crack happening - spurred on by Bells ability to do it before him!

The girls sewing and chatting - like true locals.

As night closed the opening ceremony for the festival was held.  This was wonderful.  We were treated to a traditional, ceremonial dance by local tribes.  I couldn't take my eyes off the little blighters. They were so damn cute!  And gee could they move.

These little un's could surely stomp up a dust cloud!

 The Fire T Boys....
 Following the traditional dance was a fire show - brilliant!  It was just hilarious and so very entertaining...TNT rendition, fire whipping....flips...you name it.

This was another one of those times we will never forget....it was such an amazing festival. Especially for Toli, Didj, spear throwing winner and whip cracker!

Mum was pleased that we could make it as well. It was a very relaxing and entertaining three days.