Magic of Kondoli Lanterns Light Up Victor Harbor’s Winter Whale Fest

Kondoli Lantern Parade, Victor Harbor 2025

Victor Harbor came alive on Sunday, 29 June as the Kondoli Lantern Parade transformed the town with light, story, and community spirit.

Part of this year’s Winter Whale Fest, the breathtaking event honoured the Kondoli story from Ngarrindjeri Dreamtime, celebrating culture, connection, and the winter season on Ramindjeri Ruwi.

Ngarrindjeri Elders and Artists – Mark Koolmatrie, Cedric Varcoe, Amanda Westley, and Kyla McHughes – led the project, working with renowned lantern experts Tony Hannan and Mark Timberlake, local schools, and the wider community to create stunning lanterns big and small.

Throughout the week, Victor Harbor Town Hall was a hive of creativity as community members built large creature lanterns inspired by the Kondoli story, including Kondoli the whale, Milori the stingray, Pungari the seal, Ngrakani the shark, Kanmeri the mullet, Kuratji the tommy ruff, and Kribali the skylark fire bird.

When wet weather moved the parade indoors, it only made the moment more intimate and powerful. The beat of clap sticks opened the evening as children carried small lanterns in a flowing circle. Storyteller Mark Koolmatrie shared the tale of Kondoli as the giant creature lanterns appeared one by one, filling the hall with light and wonder. The performance culminated in a moving contemporary dance by Ngarrindjeri dancer Melanie Koolmatrie, surrounded by lantern light and community.

The parade then continued outside to the Soldiers Memorial Gardens amphitheatre. There, Kribali, the Fire Bird Skylark, soared into the night sky and Kondoli’s whale tail was set alight in the water, creating a spectacular image that marked the festival finale.

“This was a truly powerful moment,” said Mark Koolmatrie, Winter Whale Fest Co-Director. “It was community-led, inclusive, and embracing. It showed what is possible when we walk together – culture and community coming alive as one.”

City of Victor Harbor CEO, Victoria MacKirdy was also in attendance for the moving event and said this year’s Winter Whale Fest has been something really special, with the Kondoli Lantern Parade a true highlight.

“Events like this help strengthen our community and celebrate the rich culture of the Ramindjeri and Ngarrindjeri people. We’re so proud to support projects that bring people closer and help us learn from each other in such a beautiful and meaningful way.”

Winter Whale Fest is an initiative of the City of Victor Harbor, with support from Flinders University, the National Environmental Science Program, the South Australian Tourism Commission, and Country Arts SA.

What’s next?

The festival is set to grow and become a hallmark winter event for Victor Harbor and the Fleurieu Peninsula. Planning for next year is already underway, with organisers calling for anyone interested in hosting, volunteering, partnering, or sponsoring to reach out.

For more information, contact Festival Co-Director Stacey Richardson at the City of Victor Harbor on 8551 0500.