Get your 2018 festival fix in Klaten, Indonesia

THE KLATEN REGENCY in Central Java is the unsuspecting home of a Vipassana meditation resort, stunning natural springs, historic temples and this year, also the host of 40 vibrant festivals.

The festivals will commence on Feb 14 at Randulangang village in Jatinom, with the Lurik cloth festival following in April.

Cantij banget mba ??? . . Inspiration from @vickyshu – Kondangan mba @ayanggkahiyang dan mas Bobby siang tadi. Selamat menempuh hidup baru, semoga Sakinah, Mawadah , Warohmah. Berkah, sehat, dan bahagia selalu, juga cepat di beri anugrah momongan. Amin ?? Terimakasih atas undangannya ❤️ •••••••••••••••• #kisahbobbykahiyang #jokowimantu #perjalananvickyshu #vickyadembojo #lurik #kebaya #batik #sangguljawa #kebayavickyshu #solo ••••••••••••••••••••••••• Tag fotomu bersama pasangan, sahabat, dan keluargamu agar di repost ??? . . Follow juga akun : . @muslimah.hijabs @inspirasiootdkebaya @inspirasikebayaterbaik @inspirasipengantinhijab @inspirasipengantinindonesia @inspirasiseragamkebaya @ootdkebayapesta @kebayahitskekinian @seragamkebayakece @weddingdreamindonesia . THANKYOU ?

A post shared by Inspirasi Kebaya Terbaik (@inspirasikebayaterbaik) on Nov 8, 2017 at 3:57pm PST

Currently, Klaten is best known for its freshwater pond, made for both experienced and amateur divers who want to swim alongside stunning fish and take incredible photos.

Scutere air?????.. #umbrellarevolution#umbulsidomukti#umbulponggok#umbulmanten#sculpture#diving#indonesiaindah#indonesiabagus#transformationtuesday#wanderfullindonesia#happyweekend

A post shared by Zz (@pundi.zz) on Jan 27, 2018 at 9:00pm PST

The region is also sought after for its stunningly clear waters at Umbul Manten which brings a slice of calm to a busy city. Pantoro wants Klanten to be known for more than the paradise-style waters though, and that’s why these festivals have been organized.

— Lihat saja, setelah saya mirip Boy William (setelah membasuh muka di mata air). Cewek-cewek yang menolakku dulu-dulu, tak sudi aku menyapanya~ . . . ? @tedyashari_cannabies_0202 . —————————- Umbul Manten, Polanharjo, Klaten

A post shared by M. ZUSUF QORDHOWI (@qqordhowi) on Oct 24, 2017 at 9:32pm PDT

The festivals aim to show visitors that there are ever-evolving crafts, festivities, and events to take part in around the region.

“All the festivals are being held in an effort to boost Klaten’s tourism, art and culture promotion. Tourism has been having a positive influence on the local economy,” Pantoro explained.

The festivals will also focus on traditional arts this year, going back to ancestral roots and showcasing culturally significant customs and traditions.

One of the ways this will be displayed is through the Gambyong festival in July. “Thousands of dancers will dance the Gambyong dance simultaneously. This can be similar to the famous Gandrung Banyuwangi,” Pantoro added.

on Dec 20, 2017 at 6:26pm PST

Other events include the Etno Music Sound Festival with involvement from respected choreographer Guruh Soekarnoputra. The music festival aims to promote awareness of the regency’s many temples by featuring replicas of the temples onstage.

A post shared by Dolan Klaten (@dolanklaten) on Jan 17, 2018 at 11:18pm PS

Shadow puppet performances, also known as wayang kulit, will feature 36 times on the events calendar this year. However, only five of them are hosted by the Youth and Sports agency while the rest are being organized by the cultural board.

Dina anu…. ( setahun yg lalu) #wayangbali#sanggarsandhiswara#wayangkulit#puppetshow#denpasarkreatif#denpasarhebat

A post shared by I Putu Arya Adi Saputra (@putu_arya_2005) on Jan 26, 2018 at 8:00pm PST

The festivals have been granted a substantial budget of Rp one billion (US$75,000) by the Klaten Regency in hopes of pushing the regions traditional culture as it has “big potential”, according to Klaten cultural board head Sunarna.

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Source: travelwireasia.com