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Indonesia's traditional festivals are rich in ancient cultural and historical significance. Through these festivals, you'll have the chance to discover more about the beauty of this country. Major festivals are held throughout the year, so it's easy to visit and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere. Are you familiar with the festivals? To find out, follow the upcoming article by Mytour!
A glimpse into the archipelago of Indonesia
Indonesia, a Southeast Asian country, is made up of over 18,000 islands, with around 5,000 inhabited. It is also home to one of the world's most active volcanic regions, with about 130 active volcanoes. These islands are surrounded by lush tropical forests.
The archipelago of Indonesia is home to a diverse and unique culture, shaped by over 300 ethnic groups, including influences from India, China, Arabia, and several European countries. During your exploration, you'll have the opportunity to learn about Indonesia's traditional festivals and visit its renowned landmarks.
Indonesia is a country rich in ancient cultural and historical values (Source: Collected)
Indonesia experiences a tropical monsoon climate, with distinct rainy and dry seasons. From April to October, the weather is warm and pleasant, making it the perfect time for traveling and exploring. If you're interested in learning about Islamic culture, you can also immerse yourself in the vibrant festivals held during this period.
Unique and Distinct Traditional Festivals of Indonesia
Indonesia's traditional festivals hold deep cultural significance. These major celebrations are spread throughout the year, bringing vibrant energy to the archipelago. Below are some of the biggest festivals in Indonesia for you to explore.
1. The Traditional Indonesian Festival - Tahun Baru Imlek Tahun
Tahun Baru Imlek Tahun, also known as Chinese New Year, is one of Indonesia's most extraordinary traditional festivals. It takes place from the 1st to the 15th of the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar. If you visit Indonesia in the spring, you should not miss this spectacular event.
Tahun Baru Imlek Tahun, commonly referred to as Imlek, is a major celebration held by the Chinese community in Indonesia. During this festival, a series of exciting and unique events take place, and lion dances are one of the most popular activities you'll witness in major cities and shopping centers during this time.
If you visit Indonesia during this time, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the festive and lively atmosphere (Source: Collected)
During Imlek, gift-giving and preparing traditional dishes are highly emphasized. At prayer ceremonies, at least 12 dishes and 12 types of cakes are served. The number symbolizes the 12 months of the year. These dishes are the favorites of family members, and importantly, they represent prosperity, happiness, and longevity.
Sweet pastries are made even sweeter than usual, symbolizing a desire for a sweeter life in the year ahead. These food items and candies are placed in baskets or special red cloth bags, symbolizing hopes for a prosperous and lucky life.
2. The Traditional Indonesian Festival - Tahun Baru Saka
If you're interested in learning about Indonesian culture, then Tahun Baru Saka is the festival for you. This celebration typically takes place in March and lasts for two days. The timing of the event is based on the Hindu calendar.
This festival is also known as Nyepi and is mainly celebrated on the island of Bali. It is a traditional holiday for Hindus. If you have the chance to visit Bali during this time, you'll have an incredibly unique experience. The festival includes a variety of exciting activities such as singing, entertainment, and vibrant celebrations.
Tahun Baru Saka is one of the most distinctive traditional festivals (Source: Collected)
During this festival, everyone in the village gathers to celebrate together. Tahun Baru Saka is regarded as a New Year's event, with food prepared for two days to serve the participants. Additionally, various fun activities take place at the main stage of the island.
3. The Traditional Indonesian Festival - Tahun Baru Hijriah
Tahun Baru Hijriah is a highly anticipated traditional festival in Indonesia. It marks the Islamic New Year, celebrated on the first day of the month of Muharram, which usually falls in January according to the Islamic calendar. During this time, major cities in Indonesia are filled with fireworks to celebrate the new year.
In large centers, many exciting activities such as singing, dancing, and performances take place. On the night of Hijriah, people gather at mosques to listen to sermons, recite the Quran, and sing religious songs. It is a time for everyone to pray for a year filled with peace, happiness, and good fortune.
The festival features a variety of interesting events and activities (Source: Collected)
Numerous activities take place during this time, including parades, prayers, temple visits, and fireworks. Additionally, there are other unique cultural activities such as sports competitions and traditional performances. Visitors can also participate in these events.
4. The Traditional Indonesian Festival - Tahun Baru Masehi
Tahun Baru Masehi is a traditional Indonesian festival celebrated on January 1st every year. Similar to the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, this is an important holiday for Muslims. On this day, people gather in entertainment centers, enjoying food, fun, and participating in various unique activities and festivals.
You’ll have the opportunity to witness dazzling fireworks displays in vibrant colors (Source: Collected)
Evenings are filled with vibrant street activities, such as live music performances. Additionally, this is the perfect time to savor delicious Indonesian cuisine. The festive atmosphere makes the entire neighborhood feel alive with joy.
5. The Traditional Indonesian Festival - Bull Racing Festival
One of the most popular traditional festivals in Indonesia is the Bull Racing Festival. This event is typically held at the end of the harvest season and lasts for about a month. It is loved by both locals and tourists. The festival celebrates the successful harvest of the Minangkabau people in West Sumatra.
The bulls selected for the race are strong and well-trained. They are carefully cared for in preparation for the competition. During the race, wooden frames are attached to the bulls to help them maintain balance, and local residents guide them. The prestige of the bull's owner increases with a victory, and the winning bull will be worth more when sold.
Don't miss the Bull Racing Festival if you ever have the chance to visit Indonesia! (Source: Collected)
The winning bulls in this competition are auctioned and bred for future races. According to the rules, participants are not allowed to use whips or sticks. They stand barefoot on wooden planks and grab the bull's tail as they race down a 250-meter track. This annual event has gradually become a unique tradition in Indonesia.
Although it may seem quite dangerous at first glance, the event continues to attract large crowds. This thrill has also become one of the key reasons tourists flock to Indonesia. If you get the chance, don’t miss the chance to witness these thrilling bull races in person!
6. The Traditional Indonesian Festival - Ramadan Festival
A prominent cultural festival in Indonesia is the Ramadan Festival. This event takes place from the 1st to the 30th of September according to the Islamic calendar. Ramadan is also recognized as a time of purification for Muslims. It is a special occasion for families in Indonesia to come together and share well wishes.
During this period, people fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and smoking. Families gather at mosques to read the Quran, praying for good fortune. It is safe to say that this is one of the most significant festivals in the spiritual life of the Indonesian people.
This is a major and meaningful festival for Muslims (Source: Collected)
The purpose of fasting is to bring the faithful closer to Allah. This act serves as a reminder of the hardships faced by the poor. On this day, Muslims are also forbidden from speaking ill of others or engaging in insults.
Sau khi buổi cầu nguyện kết thúc, những buổi diễu hành qua các khu đông đúc sẽ diễn ra. Người trẻ tuổi sẽ mang theo đuốc và chơi những bài nhạc Hồi giáo theo điệu của rebana. Đó là một nhạc cụ gõ cầm tay có nguồn gốc từ Ả Rập.
7. Lễ hội truyền thống Indonesia - Lễ hội leo cột bôi mỡ
Lễ hội leo cột bôi mỡ là một trong những lễ hội truyền thống Indonesia rất được yêu thích. Lễ hội này thường được diễn ra vào ngày Quốc khánh Indonesia 17/8 mỗi năm. Lễ này còn được biết đến với tên gọi khác là Panjat Pinang. Đây là một trong những nét phong tục độc đáo của xứ sở vạn đảo nhằm để kỷ niệm ngày Độc lập.
Phía trên cây gỗ cao sẽ là những phần quà như xe đạp, đồ gia dụng… Người tham gia sẽ phải trèo lên những cột mỡ trơn trượt đó để giành lấy phần thưởng. Lớp mỡ đã khiến trò chơi vốn đơn giản trở nên khó khăn và thú vị hơn. Dẫu vậy nhưng vẫn có rất đông người tham dự, mang đến không gian náo nhiệt, ngập tiếng cười.
Lễ hội này rất được du khách yêu thích bởi sự vui tươi, nhộn nhịp (Nguồn ảnh: Sưu tầm)
Vì cột rất trơn nên người chơi sẽ không thể tự mình leo lên được. Chắc chắn rằng phải cần đến sự giúp đỡ của đồng đội, dùng đồng đội làm “thang”. Thế nên trò này chủ yếu dành cho những người đàn ông khỏe mạnh. Và chắc chắn là mỗi người tham gia cần phải có một đội riêng của mình để phối hợp cùng nhau giành giải thưởng.
Trò chơi này chủ yếu dành cho những người yêu vận động. Dù phần thưởng chỉ là những món đồ đơn giản nhưng phải rất công phu bạn mới có thể lấy được nó. Lễ hội vui nhộn này sẽ mang đến cho bạn những trải nghiệm vô cùng lý thú.
Một số lưu ý khi du lịch Indonesia
When traveling to explore the traditional festivals of Indonesia, there are a few things you should know. These tips will help ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable trip. It's important to understand the local customs as it will help you immensely. Let's take a look at these helpful guidelines!
Remember these important tips to have a complete and enjoyable trip (Image source: Collected)
- Clothing. It's best to dress modestly when visiting sacred places like temples. If wearing skirts or shorts, it's advisable to wrap a sarong or cloth around your waist. Even when dining, it’s important to dress politely and respectfully. Avoid wearing tank tops or revealing clothes.
- Avoid using your left hand in Indonesia. When handing or receiving items, always use your right hand. The left hand is considered impure in Indonesian culture, and the right hand is sacred, so it's best not to use it for touching anything unclean.
- Absolutely avoid gambling. Gambling is illegal in Indonesia. If you're caught, you could face expulsion or imprisonment.
- Avoid public displays of affection. Public displays of affection like hugging or kissing between men and women are considered unacceptable. When shaking hands, do so gently and avoid holding onto the other person’s hand for too long.
- Bring a gift when visiting someone’s home. Whether you’re visiting a close friend or someone you’ve just met, it's customary to bring a gift. However, avoid gifts made of leather or pork, beef, etc.
The traditional festivals of Indonesia mentioned above reflect the rich culture and spirit of the country. A journey to explore this vast archipelago will introduce you to the beauty of its land and people. To book a tour to Indonesia, feel free to contact Mytour at the hotline 028 3827 0404 today!
