THE EDITOR – Last weekend, a very lively cultural festival took place in Banyuwangi. True to its name, “rainbow”, the Kuwung Festival held on Saturday night (7/12/2024) at RTH Maron Genteng featured a variety of arts and cultural traditions in Banyuwangi.
The Kuwung Festival, which is included in the Banyuwangi Festival 2024 agenda, was welcomed enthusiastically by thousands of residents who crowded along the parade route.
The main stage of the festival was filled with stunning regional cultural art performances such as Gandrung, Kuntulan, Jaranan Buto, Jakripah, Barong, and Balinese dance.
The live accompaniment of Banyuwangian gamelan and angklung added to the lively atmosphere, accompanying the steps of thousands of performers who looked magnificent in their costumes. The parade of floats with miniatures of regional cultures also attracted attention.
Such as the Barong attraction with its agile movements successfully captivated the audience. Representatives of various ethnicities and cultures in Banyuwangi also enlivened this festival.
“Kuwung means rainbow, which describes the colourful traditions and culture of Banyuwangi. All of this produces harmony which is the social capital to build Banyuwangi,” said Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani when opening the event.
This year, the Kuwung Festival carries the theme “Peningset Cinde Sutro”, which means that the diversity of ethnicity, religion, and race in Banyuwangi is bound together.
This diversity of traditions is displayed which is divided into five districts.
Banyuwangi District and its surrounding sub-districts displayed the “Jamasan” tradition, a procession to bathe the heirloom relics of Buyut Cungking Wongso Karyo, the Tombak Gagak Rimang.
Blambangan District featured the tradition of “Baritan”, a salvation ceremony around a spring as a form of gratitude and a wish for a bountiful harvest.
Furthermore, Bangorejo District presented the tradition of “Pedut Tlatah Purwo”, a prayer and offering ritual in Alas Purwo. While the Rogojampi District displayed the tradition of “Sangyang Tuwuh”, a ritual of the Aliyan community with songs containing wishes for goodness.
The defile was closed by Genteng District with the tradition of “Kawin Tebu”, the marriage procession of two of the best sugar cane stalks likened to a bride and groom.
“This spirit of caring for diversity is the spirit of Banyuwangi Festival to continue to be held every year by involving many elements of society from children to elders,” concluded Ipuk.
Such vibrant cultural events like the Kuwung Festival truly showcase the richness of local traditions. If you’re interested in exploring how technology like IoT can contribute to societal good, check out this global webinar for more insights!
Such vibrant cultural events like the Kuwung Festival truly showcase the richness of local traditions. If you’re interested in exploring how technology like IoT can contribute to societal good, check out this global webinar for more insights!
Such vibrant cultural events like the Kuwung Festival truly showcase the richness of local traditions. If you’re interested in exploring how technology like IoT can contribute to societal good, check out this global webinar for more insights!