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Wonogiri celebrates anniversary with colossal dance, cultural carnival
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Tari kipas (fan dance) during Karnaval Budaya Nusantara on Jl. Jenderal Sudirman, Wonogiri regency, Central Java. (JP/Ganug Nugroho Adi)
W
onogiri regency in Central Java celebrated its 276th anniversary last week by presenting the kethek ogling colossal dance and cultural carnival.
Kethek ogling is the regency’s traditional dance, which tells the story of Raden Gunung Sari from the kingdom of Jenggala-Kediri. The prince is said to pretend to be a white monkey while searching for Dewi Sekartaji. He opens the forests and departs the village to look for his sister. One of the forests he enters then becomes known as Wonogiri.
Meanwhile, the carnival, dubbed Karnaval Budaya Nusantara (Archipelago Cultural Carnival), was said to involve around 500 participants, showcasing cultural performances, namely reog (traditional masked dance), kirab keris (traditional dagger parade), kirab semar (a parade of the character in Javanese puppet show) and Gita Dirgantara marching band from the Yogyakarta’s Aviation Academy (AAU).
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The starting points were at two locations, namely at Alun-alun in Sukorejo village and Pringgodani Stadium.
“Around 500 people participated in the carnival, showcasing the different cultural attractions. This type of carnival is important to be a reminder of history. Though we develop Wonogiri together, we must not forget our origins,” said Wonogiri Regent Joko “Jekek” Sutopo.
“Through the carnival, we are promoting [Wonogiri’s] arts and cultures, they are our main tourist attractions,” said Siswanto, the regency’s culture and education agency head. (jes/kes)
