Home Events - Diversity Atlas Coming of the Light Festival (Torres Strait Islands)

Date

Jul 01 2024

Time

All Day

Coming of the Light Festival (Torres Strait Islands)

Coming of the Light Festival, also known as Keriba Lagaw Buiya, commemorates the arrival of the London Missionary Society at Erub Island (Darnley Island) in 1871. On this day, Clan Elder and Warrior Dadad greeted the missionaries and accepted the Bible, interpreting it as “the light.” This event marked the integration of Christianity into the cultural customs and identity of the Torres Strait Islands, known as “Ailan Kastom.” The festival is celebrated with re-enactments, church services, hymns, and feasts.