JOGJA CARNIVAL: ‘Wayang orang’ spices up city’s 262nd anniversary celebration

Wed, October 31, 2018 / 06:07 pm

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Celebrating in style: Wayang Jogja Night Carnival showcases a wayang orang (human puppet) troupe riding on floats to mark the 262nd anniversary of Yogyakarta. JP/Tarko Sudiarno
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Center of attention: A wayang orang (human puppet) troupe performs in front of Yogyakarta’s historic Tugu Monument. JP/Tarko Sudiarno
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Many faces of Semar: Participants showcase their depiction of Semar, a beloved Javanese wayang (puppet) known for his tired eyes and flat nose. JP/Tarko Sudiarno
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Show your moves: The carnival holds a dance choreography competition. JP/Tarko Sudiarno
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lying in unison: Yogyakartans display their bird-themed float and costumes at the carnival. JP/Tarko Sudiarno
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Walking tall: Wayang orang (human puppets) on stilts perform among puppets made of woven coconut leaves in a play that centers on giant wayang figure Kumbakarna. JP/Tarko Sudiarno

Tarko Sudiarno

Scores of wayang orang (human puppet) troupes ruled the main streets of Yogyakarta on Oct. 7 to celebrate the 262nd anniversary of the historical city.
In its third year, Jogja Wayang Night Carnival once again proved that wayang orang is able to stay current with the help of a modern carnival fanfare.
Around the historic Tugu Monument, thousands of people gathered to watch wayang orang dance performances.
Also at the night parade, residents from 14 districts showcased their wayang costume creations and floats in various themes, such as the Ramayana epic and the beloved Javanese wayang character, Semar.
Yogyakarta Governor Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X says the parade marks the interaction between tradition, represented by wayang, and the modern world of carnival.
“I hope this interaction produces spectacular entertainment, which demonstrates Yogyakarta as a cultural city,” the sultan added. [yan]