Festivals and Events in Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta has many festivals both religious and cultural, to commemorate various events and ceremonies. So you can enjoy your Yogyakarta trip by being a part of these festivals. Some of the more famous festivals are as follows:

Garebeg Besar, Yogyakarta:

Garebeg Besar is a festival held in the month of March. It is a Mouslim festival celebrated with great pomp and show. This festival is held to commemorate Idul Ad'ha which is also the Moslem Day of Sacrifice.

Labuhan Ceremony, Yogyakarta:

This is another important festival in Indonesia and is held in the month of April. Labuhan Ceremony is performed to secure the welfare and well being of the Sultan and the people of Yogyakarta.

Waicak, Yogyakarta:

Waicak is a Buddhist festival, celebrated in the month of May. It is held to commemorate Gautam Buddha's life, his birth, accession and death. Held in most of the Buddhist temples and Viharas throughout Indonesia, it is particularly celebrated with enormous exuberance in Yogyakarta. The most important ceremony of this festival is held on a full moon evening in May at the Mendut and Borobudur temple

Sekaten Ceremony, Yogyakarta:

Sekaten Ceremony is held in the month of June. The people of Yogyakarta commemorate the birth of Prophet Mohammed by celebrating this festival. The Sekaten Ceremony continues for one week, where in the people perform traditional dances and sing folk songs. On the first day of this ceremony a mid- night parade is organized which continues to the Grand Mosque. A night fair is also held for one whole month at the alum-alun utara.

Saparan Ceremony, Yogyakarta:

The Saparan Ceremony is also celebrated during the month of June. It is basically celebrated by the people of Ambarketawang, where in people eat apem cake and make ceremonial offerings to please Gods. A procession is also held during the Saparan Ceremony, and the members of noble family - Ki Ageng Wonolela, participate in this procession.

Art Festival, Yogyakarta:

The Art Festival is celebrated throughout Yogyakarta in the month of June and July. During this festival you will witness various artistic performances including dance and singing performances, puppet shows etc. Various artifacts are also on display during this period and you can also buy some of these artifacts.