The Great Gunungan Parade of Surakarta – A Royal Javanese Tradition

Описание: 📍 Location : The Great Mosque Surakarta (Masjid Agung Solo)
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🎥 Video Shooting Details: September 4, 2025 - Afternoon

Kirab Gunungan, also known as the Gunungan Parade, is one of the most iconic cultural traditions of Surakarta (Solo), Central Java, Indonesia. This ritual is an essential part of Javanese royal ceremonies and continues to attract thousands of visitors every year.

Gunungan refers to a cone-shaped offering made from vegetables, fruits, snacks, and traditional foods arranged to resemble a mountain. It symbolizes prosperity, gratitude, and blessings. The Gunungan is brought out by the Kasunanan Surakarta Palace and paraded through the city before being distributed to the public.

🏰 Historical Background

The tradition dates back to the era of the Mataram Kingdom (16th–17th century) and has been preserved by the royal palaces of Yogyakarta and Surakarta. It originally served as a royal offering to express gratitude, ask for protection, and strengthen the relationship between the palace and the people.

📅 When Is It Held?

Kirab Gunungan is usually performed during major Javanese royal ceremonies, such as Sekaten (to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad), Grebeg Maulud, Grebeg Syawal, and Grebeg Besar. These events follow the Islamic Javanese calendar, so the exact dates change every year.

During the Parade, The Gunungan is carried out from the Surakarta Palace by royal courtiers (abdi dalem). A ceremonial procession follows, complete with gamelan music, traditional attire, and palace guards. The Gunungan is paraded around the city along a fixed route. At the end of the parade, the offering is distributed to the public. People often rush to take parts of the Gunungan because it is believed to bring good luck and blessings.

What is the Cultural Significance? Kirab Gunungan reflects the Javanese philosophy of harmony between humans, nature, and the divine. It represents:
1. Gratitude for the year’s blessings
2. Hope for prosperity and safety
3. The bond between the palace and the community
4. Preservation of Javanese royal heritage

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