Our Culture
"ART AND CULTURAL HERITAGE AT KASUNANAN SURAKARTA PALACE"
In this ancient kingdom of Kasunanan Surakarta in Central Java, time stands still.
In this ancient kingdom of Kasunanan Surakarta in Central Java, time stands still.
Down the narrow streets between buildings with old Javanese and European architectural combinations,
Visitors can rent andong (a horse-drawn carriage) or becak (pedicab), as more typical modes of transportation in Surakarta to reach the Palace.
Visitors can visit royal palace museum to learn more about the history of Kasunanan Surakarta.
The museum preserves historical objects from the early era of the Mataram Kingdom to the Indonesian independence war era. There are also some historical items such as photos of the king from the beginning of the existence of Kasunanan Surakarta Kingdom as well as the royal throne, the royal carriage, some antique weapons, royal ceremonial equipment and variety of other heritage objects.
Visiting Surakarta palace does not just merely recall the past, because its cultural dynamics and the arts can still be enjoyed up until today. Tourists can interact with the courtiers and listen to their stories about their loyalty and devotion to the king.
Each Sunday morning, the royal soldiers still march downtown to the accompaniment of drums, flutes and trumpets. While on certain days, they still hold regular exercises to play gamelan ensembles and sing traditional songs called macapat.
Rituals and ceremonies are also held on a regular basis and are adjusted to Islamic religious celebrations.
Kasunanan Surakarta also holds a regular event that presents royal art performances called "Keraton Art Festival". This event is held in Sitihinggil, a place usually used to receive royal guests. The event shows off a variety of traditional dances of Kasuanan Surakarta culture, such as the bedaya dance and the mask dance.
The Independent Kasunanan Surakarta declared it would join with the Republic of Indonesia on August 18, 1945. At that moment, Indonesia had just proclaimed its independence. Ever since the integration, the kingdom has been known as Surakarta city or Solo.
However, though it has been incorporated into Indonesia, the Kasunanan Surakarta still has its own king, named Sri Susuhunan Pakubuwono XIII. The king of Kasunanan Surakarta is no longer the ruler of the territory, but is a cultural symbol that perpetuates the cultural heritage of Kasunanan Surakarta palace.
"CELEBRATIONS AND FESTIVALS"
"CELEBRATIONS AND FESTIVALS"
Local traditional arts of Solo (Surakarta) is Bedhaya dance and Srimpi dance. Traditional dance is still preserved in Kasunanan Surakarta. Dances like bedhaya will be performed only once a year in honor of His Majesty Sri Pakoe Boewono as leader of Surakarta.
In addition to traditional dance, Solo also have traditional musical instrument that is Gamelan. Gamelan is used to accompany ballet performance, Java song, puppet show, and other traditional ceremonies, including the wedding. Gamelan is made of iron, brass or bronze. Gamelan material derived from bronze is the most excellent quality to make tones.
In addition for traditional arts, Solo community often held festivals and celebrations. The date of the festivals and celebration are based on the calendar year.
1. Carnival Heritage 1st Suro
Carnival Heritage 1 Suro, the event is intended to celebrate the new year 1 suro. These were taken approximately 3 km, the Keraton - North Square - Gladak - Jl. Major Kusmanto - Jl. Captain Mulyadi - Jl. Veteran - Jl. Yos Sudarso - Jl. Slamet Riyadi - Gladak then returned to the palace again. Heirlooms that have magical power are brought by the courtiers who dressed Jawi Jangkep. Ranks that walking in front of a group of Kebo Bule is named Kyai Slamet, while ranks of the carriers of heritage following behind it. This event was held by Surakarta and Puro Mangkunegaran which was held on the evening before the 1st suro.
2. Sekaten
Sekaten, this celebration is held every month Mulud to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad. On 12th Mulud Solo people held Grebeg Mulud. Then the folk festival is held for two weeks. This two-week party is held in the square north. Party of the people is presented in the night market, there ara also game arena and performances arts and acrobatics. On the last day of Sekaten, Solo people held Grebeg event again in North Square.
3. Gerebeg Sudiro
Gerebeg Sudiro, this celebration is about Lunar New Year with a mix of Chinese-Javanese culture. The festival, which began in 2007 is usually concentrated in Gedhe Market and Balong (in the Sudiroprajan Village) and Solo City Hall.
4. Solo Batik Festival
Solo Batik Carnival is an annual festival held by the government of Surakarta by using batik as the main material for making the costumes. The carnival participants will make carnival costumes with determined themes. The participants will wear their own costumes and walk on the catwalk on the Slamet Riyadi road. This carnival is held every year in June since 2008.
