6 Traditional Festivals in Indonesia

Indonesia is one of the most famous vacation destinations in Southeast Asia, although it is less famous for its traditional festivals and events. These traditional festivals and events attract tourists from all over the world. Through these festivals and events, we can learn more about Indonesian culture and customs.

 

In Indonesia, 87% of the population is Islamic, making it the country with the largest population of Muslims in the world. 6.1% of the population believe in Protestantism, 3.6% believe in Catholicism, and the rest of the population believe in Hinduism, Buddhism, and fetishism. Therefore, most of the traditional festivals in Indonesia are religious festivals, which are very solemn.

 

Borobudur Temple

Borobudur Temple

 

Below, Top Asia Tour will present the 6 traditional festivals in Indonesia for you:

 

1. Lebaran

  • Festival Date: May 24-25

 

The Lebaran Festival, also known as Idul Fitri, is a very significant festival in Indonesia. According to the Islamic calendar, every September is the celebration date of Lebaran in Indonesia. Lebaran means "Feast of the Breaking of the Fast", which is the festival to celebrate the end of the month of Ramadan. On that day, all Muslims in festive costumes will participate in the celebratory events in mosques, to celebrate the end of the month of Ramadan. Muslims congratulate and treat each other. At this time, you can experience the strong religious atmosphere.

 

2. Wesak

  • Festival date: beginning of May or June

 

The Wesak or Vesak is the Buddhist festival in Indonesia, which is one of the main religious events in the country. As Buddhism is one of the six approved religions in Indonesia, Wesak forms one of the traditional Indonesian festivals. The Wesak festival is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Buddha. On that day, all temples in Indonesia will celebrate the great Buddha memorial ceremony.

 

3. Indonesian National Day

  • Festival date: August 17

 

Indonesian National Day, known as the Indonesian Independence Day, was established by celebrating the independence of Indonesia on August 17, 1945. Every year on August 17, major festival events are held in the capital Jakarta, and the leaders and state officials will attend. Besides that, Indonesians will spontaneously organize other celebrations as well. If you go to Indonesia on National Day, you will find that the streets are newly decorated. Many people put flags or decorations on the door, which is full of festive atmosphere.

 

4. Bali Art Festival

From mid-June to mid-July, a month-long Bali art festival draws artists from the world here, displaying their majestic works. Visitors can enjoy various exhibitions, works of art such as music, dance, brought by artists from all over the world during this month's art festival.

 

5. The Baliem Valley Festival

The Baliem Valley Festival is a grand ceremony for the rich and diverse local culture of the Baliem Valley. During the festival, there are rich traditional Baliem cultural performances. The Baliem Valley festival, celebrated in Papua province, generally falls in the month of August. Sometimes the date can be varied. This festival is celebrated as the prosperity ceremony by the locals, which also signifies the congratulations of the generation.

 

6. Krakatoa Festival

  • Festival date: August

 

The Krakatoa Music Festival, held in Lampang, is another celebration in Indonesia that focuses on volcanoes. As the name implies, this festival is held to commemorate the Krakatoa volcano, which was once one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the world. The festival is generally held in August and has a number of attractions like fireworks, and colorful parades. You will also see beautiful elephants walking the streets, as well as dance performances and contests.

 

Travel Tips at Indonesian Festivals

Please note that festivals have a lot of visitors. Therefore, if you are just traveling on vacation, you should pay attention to safety when you go out.

 

For those who want to visit clients on official business and commercial matters, you should try to avoid the Lebaran period (May 21-27), Christmas, and the New Year. Because you will not find anyone at that time, since they are on vacation.

 

Recommended Tours

5 Days Essence of Bali Tour

Bali

Price from:on request

13 Days Singapore, Bali and Thailand Group Tour

Singapore; Indonesia: Bali; Thailand:Bangkok, Ayutthaya

Price from: $2889

7 Days Singapore, Bintan Island Escape

Singapore; Indonesia: Bintan Island

Price from:on request

Customize