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Thousands of visitors revel in art carnival
The street art performances during the 4th Jogja Java Carnival drew thousands of visitors on Saturday
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he street art performances during the 4th Jogja Java Carnival drew thousands of visitors on Saturday.
The JJC was held in conjunction with Yogyakarta’s 255th anniversary, which falls on Oct. 7.
Happy anniversary: Thousands of spectators flock Jl. Malioboro in Yogyakarta to watch a cultural carnival on Saturday night. The Jogja Java Carnival (JJC) 2011 was held as part of Yogyakarta’s 255th anniversary celebrations. JP/Tarko Sudiarno
Revelers included foreign tourists and ambassadors of some countries, including Suriname and Malaysia, who were seen at the main stage in City Park.
As many as 32 participants displayed works of visual art during the parade, which started at Abu Bakar Ali Field and finished in the park.
“We arranged the performances differently from other carnivals we know in the country. We made it appealing to local people as well as a wider audience,” Ong Harry Wahyu, the curator of the event, said on Saturday.
The JJC on Saturday night was different from other big events like Jember Fashion Carnival (JFC) and Solo Batik Carnival (SBC).
“JFC and SBC showcase fashion and fashion accessories while JJC showcases mobile visual and installation artwork,” Ong said.
People from neighboring regencies also flocked to the event.
“We had to squeeze our way in and carry our kid, but the hard work was worth it because the event was creative and entertaining. We wish there was more space to move around in,” said Andri, who came to the event with his wife and child.
Some people from nearby Bantul, a town about 25 kilometers away, arrived on bicycles. “I rode on the bike to the Post Office,” Ngadiono said, referring to one of the parade centers.
The artwork attractions included Batik, Borobudur, The Great Wall, Taj Mahal and Spink.
Themed “Magnificent Batik”, participants from Bank Indonesia Yogyakarta showcased their creation — a giant eagle with feathers made from batik. On the stage, several girls performed shadow shows.
No less impressive was a display of replicas of Borobudur, Prambanan and Ratu Boko temples created by a group of tourism operators. Along the 1.5 kilometer route, they also performed an opera that told the story about the building of Borobudur.
Hakka Jogjakarta presented a Chinese legend with the backdrop of The Great Wall.
Other world wonders revealed during the event were the Liberty Statue, which was carried on a horse carriage set against a traditional background.
The replica was made from household materials.
“The Liberty Stature on the carriage emphasizes Yogyakarta’s role as a creative city,” Kusworo Bayu Aji, executive director of Garasi Enterprises, said.
Governor Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X said that the JJC was expected to be an exciting, inspiring and educational experience.
“In the future, JJC is expected to become a wonderful event for everyone because of its beauty and creativity,” Yogyakarta Mayor Herry Zudianto said.
