IN PICS: Shinju Matsuri’s Floating Lantern event

One of the most spectacular events on Broome’s Shinju Matsuri program took place over the weekend, with hundreds of people from all over the world releasing glowing lanterns on the shores of Gantheaume Point. Horizon Power Floating Lantern Matsuri invited attendees to decorate either purchased or home-made lanterns with thoughts and wishes to their loved ones, before releasing it to the outgoing tide at sunset for the tradition. While honouring loved ones, the event also pays tribute to the male and female pearl divers who lost their lives over the last century off the coast of Broome. Live music by Noriko Tadano, a virtuoso master of the Japanese shamisen, kept audiences entertained as she mixed modern and traditional Japanese music into her performance. Shinju Matsuri’s 16-day festival will continue till September 10, with the Lotterywest Shinju Festival Finale at Town Beach concluding the event.