If you are in the mood for cross-cultural experiences, Yogyakarta is the right place to be! As the heart of Javanese culture, there are many festivals lined up throughout the year.
If you visit Yogyakarta either December, January or February, you’ll get to experience the Greberb Syawal Ceremony. A celebration by the Muslim, often at the end of Ramadhan (fasting) month.
Garebeg Besar is a Muslim festival celebrated with splendour and show in March. This festival is held to commemorate Idul Ad’ha which is also the Muslim Day of Sacrifice.
A sacred ceremony held to clean and purify the ancient heirlooms such as royal coach, keris (dagger) and lances. Siraman Pusaka held in April every year.
A ceremony called Labuhan Ceremony is to celebrate the birth of Sultans of Yogyakarta - held at Parangkusomo beach (West of Parangtritis). It’s often done with a royal touch by ‘throwing’ food, cuts of fingernails and the hair of the Sultan into the South Sea as an offering to Kanjeng Ratu Kidul (The Goddess of the South Sea).
Waisak Day is celebrated by Javanese on every 20th May of the year to remember birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. The celebration takes place at Mendut Temple and Borobudur Temple, the world’s largest Buddhist monument.
Sekatan ceremony is held in the month of June, this one week long celebration is to honour the birth of Prophet Mohammed. Performance of traditional Javanese dances and folk songs are abundant during the celebration.
Yogyakarta Arts Festival is really something you shouldn’t miss! It is held annually in the month of June and July - the art festival offers wide range of traditional dances, music and puppetry performances.
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