POUNDING drums and traditional performances by the Mount Gambier Karen and Karenni communities headlined the Karen New Year celebrations at North Primary School on Saturday.
Celebrating the start of the harvesting season in the Karen state of Burma for the 2758th year, local migrants were joined by other members of the Karen and Karenni community from Nhill and Melbourne.
Karenni man Khun Dee expressed his appreciation to Australia for providing cultural freedom to celebrate the new year.
The Karen people were previously persecuted by military forces in Burma and denied the right to hold new year celebrations.
Saturday’s event included a range of dances, singing and traditional musical instruments, as well as food prepared by the community.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin opened the event and thanked the migrant community for the positive contribution they have made since their arrival in Mount Gambier 11 years ago.
They sang both the Karen and Australian anthems at the event.
