f you wish to experience the local version of the famed Rio Carnival, then head over to Cirebon on May 14 to witness the Caruban Carnival 2017.
Themed Kereta Paksinagaliman, the event is said to be the biggest carnival in West Java.
“[Cirebon] is the first city in West Java to hold such a big carnival,” claimed Sultan Sepuh XIV Keraton Kasepuhan, Pangeran Raja Adipati (PRA) Arief Natadiningrat.
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The idea for the event was taken from the three animals of Kereta Paksinagaliman, “there’s a bird that represents Muslim culture, a dragon that represents Chinese culture and a liman that represents Indian culture,” he added.
This year’s festival will showcase Kereta Paksinagaliman-inspired outfits with 58 people to model designers’ works, and there will be performances, as well. The event will be concentrated on Tuparev street.
“Currently, Cirebon is only known for its religious tourism with most people coming only on special occasions, such as for pilgrimages or the Idul Fitri exodus. With this festival, we’re hoping for more tourists,” said Hartono, the head of the culture, youth and sports department of Cirebon regency.
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Moreover, Hartono said that Cirebon needs to be more than just a place for religious and culinary tourism. Currently, the regency administrations (pemkab) are pushing several programs and strategies to boost the tourism sector.
“We’ve already prepared some tourism programs. Infrastructure development, such as Tol Cipali, and airports in West Java are making Cirebon progress faster,” Hartono said. (asw)
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