In the fishing village, Pelabuhan Ratu which is located in the south beach of west Java (4 hours drive from the capital Jakarta) a unique thanksgiving festival dedicated to the sea, is celebrated.
The thanksgiving of Pelabuhan Ratu is celebrated for two days where from a naval review of decorated boats the celebrators throw thousands of flowers and sacrifice Buffalo heads.
The naval review is accompanied with a lot of folklore culture events; local music, traditional singing, competitive dance shows, swim contests and many more attractions that chamge from year to year and complete the festive atmosphere of the holiday.
Sea Offerings Ceremony in Pelabuhan Ratu
Where: Pelabuhan Ratu, Sukabumi, West Java, Pelabuhanratu, Indonesia
When: April.
Country Information
Indonesia background and overview
The Dutch began to colonize Indonesia in the early 17th century; the islands were occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945. Indonesia declared its independence after Japan's surrender, but it required four years of intermittent negotiations, recurring hostilities, and UN mediation before the Netherlands agreed to relinquish its colony. Indonesia is the world's largest archipelagic state and home to the world's largest Muslim population. Current issues include: alleviating poverty, preventing terrorism, consolidating democracy after four decades of authoritarianism, implementing financial sector reforms, stemming corruption, holding the military and police accountable for human rights violations, and controlling avian influenza. In 2005, Indonesia reached a historic peace agreement with armed separatists in Aceh, which led to democratic elections in December 2006. Indonesia continues to face a low intensity separatist guerilla movement in Papua.
[Courtesy of The World Factbook]
Add Comment