CAFOD blog

Caritas Australia officially opened their WYD programme last night with an exuberant display of cultural dancing and music from around the Oceanic region.

It kicked off with music from a group of Torres Strait Islanders, one of the indigenous groups from Australia.

Two women, two girls and one man captivated the gathered crowds who were sitting on the forecourt outside Customs House for half an hour, telling stories from their tribe and sharing their music and dance.

Audience participation was guaranteed!

Following that, with the crowds swelling in anticipation, 150 young pilgrims from Tonga danced up a storm.

They all wore traditional clothing, headpieces and were barefoot while they danced.

The strong choir of mixed voices led dances which praised the Spirit, asked for good weather and culminated in a coordinated dance-off between the men and women.

The women’s dance was demure and classy, while the men’s dance showed off their masculinity and prowess. The atmosphere was incredible.

It’s now 18 hours later and the atmosphere is once again building, this time because all the pilgrims are finally here for the opening Mass this afternoon.

Sydney is thronging with groups from all over the world and we were glad we genned up on flags before we came – we saw groups from the Philippines and Brazil as well as large groups from America, Italy and Germany.

We’re about to head off now for our first pilgrim meal before Mass. We each have meal tickets and have to go in groups of six to collect food from feeding stations all around the city.

This is intended not only to ease the queues, but also to facilitate conversations and sharing while you’re waiting for your food.

Now all we need is four new friends…

Posted by AnnaF

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