The East Java’s Calendar of Events 2011 contains the schedule of some traditional ceremonies, traditions, festivals and performances which held in the cities and the regencies in East Java. It is designed to promote and to publicize the tourism agenda in the whole area in East Java.
It is important to inform that the local communities usually determine the schedules of the ceremonial events by using the calendars of Javanese, Moslem, and Hindu Tenggerese. Therefore, to assure the exact date of the events, it is advisable to confirm the local Government Tourist Offices.
AUGUST
1–19 August – THE INDEPENDENCE DAY OF INDONESIA
Visit Indonesia to see various kinds of spectacular attraction and colorful carnivals that held throughout the country. The event will be an unforgettable moment that you should not missed. It is not only aim to glorify the historical value and patriotism among Indonesian but also to express thankfulness to God for getting freedom from the Dutch colonialism.
Location:Throughout the country
2 August – ASHADA CARNIVAL
– Ritual procession proceeds from the Maha Vihara Mojopahit to Brahu Temple in Bejijong, km away.
– Lighting thousands of candles at Brahu Temple by the participants
– Ashada ceremony celebrated by the Family of Budhayana
– The participants of the ceremony are monks
– The parade is followed by the monks from all over Indonesia and highlighted with a various local performances and dances: horse, Reyog, mask, etc.
Location : Maha Vihara Mojopahit, Mojokerto
2 August – CHARM OF PENATARAN
THE Parade of traditional performance, Kresnayana Dance, is staged at the complex of Penataran Temple,
Location:Nglegok Sub district, Blitar Regency
5 August – PARADE AND PROCESSION OF BLITAR REGENCY ANNIVERSARY
The Performances of traditional art and culture and float paradeS are held to commemorate the anniversary of Blitar Regency.
Location:Blitar Regency
14–15 August – YADNYA KASADA
This is an annual midnight offering ceremony held by Tenggerese community at Ngadisari Village, Probolinggo Regency. The procession begins with an inaugural ceremony for the most honored man among the Tenggerese.
It highlighted with a traditional ballet performance and followed by inauguration of Tenggerese Priests. Then at dawn, the priests prepare themselves for the ritual offerings by magic spells. Thousands of pilgrims bring local products as the offering to thrown into the crater in the hope that they receive the blessing of Betoro Bromo, the Fire God of Mt. Bromo.
Location:Probolinggo Regency, and Pasuruan Regency
16 August – BONDOWOSO REGENCY ANNIVERSARY
To commemorate the anniversary of Bondowoso Regency, traditional performances such as Singo Ulung dance depicting the legend from Bondowoso and colossal drama depicting the founder of Bondowoso, Ki Bagoes Asra, are held at town square.
Location: Bondowoso Town Square
17 Augusts – FLUTTERING OF FLAG IN THE PEAK
Fluttering of flag ceremony is held in the peak of Mount Semeru. It is usually done by local and foreign mountain hikers.
Location:Mount Semeru, Lumajang
17 August – PROBOLINGGO CITY ANNIVERSARY
Probolinggo City holds art and cultural performances and float parade to commemorate the city anniversary
Location: Probolinggo City.
17 August – BULL RACE IN PASURUAN
Celebrating the IndependenCE day of the Republic of Indonesia, the Madurese Community that living in Pasuruan held Bull Race.
Location: Pasuruan Regency
18 August – GREBEG MEMETRI
This event is held by the community of Tutur Sub district, Pasuruan Regency to express thanksgiving for the abundant natural wealth and good harvest. The series of activities are held including a parade and carnival culture, the ritual burial of the cow head as a symbol of sacrifice, cultural arts performances such as Jaran Goyang, Ojung, Campursari Music, Patrol Music, and Self-defense, Al Banjari, Parade of Band and Bazaar.
Location: Tutur, Pasuruan Regency
31 August – The 817th TRENGGALEK REGENCY ANNIVERSARY
The series of activities such as Cultural performances, visiting the tomb of Trenggalek Founder, reciting Holy Qur’an, heirloom parade, leather puppet show and fireworks are held to commemorate the Trenggalek Regency Anniversary.
Location:Trenggalek Regency.
August – SURABAYA REOG FESTIVAL
Reog is a traditional dance originating from Ponorogo Regency. The group usually comprises of 30 members including dancers, musicians and supporters. The dancers wear a mask made from the head of tiger and the feathers of peacock. The mask weighs about 40 kg. It is organized by the Government of Surabaya Municipality in cooperation with Purbaya in order to raise the groups of Reyog Ponorogo, which still exist in Surabaya.
Location: Surabaya
August – SAPI SONO
It is a beauty contest of a couple of cows. Besides selecting the healthiest and the best physical performance, the cows should face the mirror. Those that run away from the mirror are the loser.
Location: Pamekasan
August – WRESTLING
To celebrate the harvest time, the communities of Setro Village held the wrestling competition.
Location: Setro Menganti Village, Gresik Regency
Location: Menganti, Gresik Regency
August – BULL RACE IN SAMPANG
Bull racing is a traditional culture in Madura Island, which is very famous for Madurese people. It is highlighted with various Madurese traditional art performances such as Sapi Sonok (bull beauty contest), Saronen music, and mass dance.
Location: Sampang Regency
August – October – BULL RACE IN SUMENEP
Bull racing is a traditional culture in Madura Island, which is very famous for Madurese people. It is highlighted with various Madurese traditional art performances such as Sapi Sonok (bull beauty contest), Saronen music, and mass dance.
Location: Sumenep Regency
August – October – SAPI SONO
It is a beauty contest of a couple of cows. Besides selecting the healthiest and the best physical performance, the cows should face the mirror. Those that run away from the mirror are the loser.
Location: Sumenep Regency
