Kasada Festival – Mount Bromo, Probolinggo, Indonesia
If you are looking for a really unique festival, how about a trip to Mount Bromo in Probolinggo, Indonesia for the Kasada Festival. Mount Bromo in Eastern Java is a volcano and an active member of the Pacific Rim of Fire. The geography of Indonesia is dominated by volcanoes and earthquakes. It is here that the festivities take place, and if you’re looking for a volcanic festival then this is definitely the place you want to be. You’ll enjoy both Indonesian culture as well as a look at their religious beliefs. Having seen the beautiful Hawaiian homages to Pele I can well imagine the exquisite beauty of this uniquely Asian Festival. Indonesians have a high regard for nature gods, and if you’re in the area this December, you should definitely go see this most unique festival for yourself. This year it is held on the fourteenth of December.
Mount Bromo is situated between Surabaya and Bali and is one of the most popular major tourist attractions of Indonesia. It’s a very famous volcanic mountain with a deep crater that draws the people there for the Kasada Festival. The mountain is 2,329 meters high and the locals go there for the festival in order to pay tribute to their ancestors and to offer prayers. Offerings such as a bull, a chicken or fruits and vegetables are given to the God of Bromo.
Different people from the area attend the celebrations, but it’s mostly the Tenggerese farmers that attend the festivities. Commencing at midnight the climb begins to the crater as they tell their desires to the God of Bromo and toss their offerings into the volcano. Some tourists come to take part with the locals. The locals also climb Mount Bromo when they see sulphur fumes emitting from the craters or when they hear any rumbling. This is usually a dormant volcano and they want it to stay that way, hence their offerings to keep the volcano from erupting.
The Kasada Festival is a religious festival and one of the most popular in Indonesia. If you’re planning a trip theere at this time of year, you’ll find it one of the more fascinating festivals to see the Indonesians worshiping their God. Not only will you be able to take part in the festival, but you’ll also see the spectacular views which are quite overwhelming. Be sure to wear warm clothing when you attend and take care near the edge of the crater, this way you are sure to have a great time and wonderful memories.
