Every year on the 1st of July Torres Strait Islanders celebrate The Coming of the Light – this commemorates the adoption of Christianity across the islands.
It began on the 1st of July 1871 when the Reverend Samuel MacFarlane of the London Missionary Society anchored at Erub Island and was welcomed on the island.
This day is an island specific public holiday and many Torres Strait Islanders whether they live on the islands or the mainland will come together every year to celebrate this day.
Coming of the Light celebration 1959 Kemus, Erub, Torres Strait. © Queensland Museum.