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The Tiwi Islands, which is collectively made up of the two island of Melville and Bathurst, is just about a 20-minute flight from Darwin. The two islands, which are divided by the 700-metre wide Aspley Strait, are 8000 square kilometers of rain forest encircled by unspoiled beaches, and strewn with small Aboriginal communities sustaining elements of a traditional way of life, blended with many modern-day influences, one of them being Football. And, one of the most important events on the Tiwi calendar is the Tiwi Island Art Sale and Football Grand Final, Darwin. The Tiwi Island Art Sale and Football Grand Final, Darwin is one of the biggest days of the Tiwi Islands. Celebrated with a great amount of pomp and splendor, with people from all over the country as well as the world crowding into this little island, this is the premier event of the place. Both football and art are the touchstones of life on the Tiwi Islands, and this event marks an important expression of the traditional Tiwi culture. The Tiwi Island Art Sale and Football Grand Final, Darwin is organized on the Football Grand Final Day, when the eight AFL teams of these two tiny islands try to show off their skills on the field, and lead their team to victory. This day is the most anticipated days of the year on the Tiwi Islands. Of course, football is not alone. This day also sees the Tiwi Island Art Sale, which is an important annual event for the Tiwi communities. The Tiwi Island Art Sale features arts and crafts from the Tiwi art centers of Jilamara Arts & Crafts and Munupi Arts & Crafts. Held at the Tiwi Design art centre, the Tiwi Island Art Sale and Football Grand Final, Darwin is an opportunity when people can purchase arts and crafts, such as paintings, carvings, prints, ceramics, weavings and screen-printed fabrics are available at community prices. An event that wakes up the sleepy little Tiwi Islands, and makes it one of the most preferred tourist destinations is the Tiwi Island Art Sale and Football Grand Final, Darwin.
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