Seldom is a highly destructive event commemorated, but in Indonesia, the Krakatoa Festival in Lampung, Sumatra is exactly that.
The Krakatoa (misspelled by the British from “Krakatua”) was a massive volcano found in the Sunda Strait, between the Java and Sumatran islands of Indonesia. It violently blew off its top in the 1883 explosion, and left behind a collapsed cone named “Anak Krakatoa” (child of Krakatoa) which today draws immense crowds. Ironically, the same volcano which could, anytime, spit and bubble volcanic matter is not only a tourist gem, but also an object of celebration of the local cultures that were once wiped out in the aftermath of the explosion.
The Krakatoa Festival 2013 will be held on August 25 until August 26.
Lampung Mask Carnival and Elephant Processions
While the Krakatoa Festival commemorates the destructive power of the volcano, it also does a superb job of putting together local customs and traditions – not to mention food – on display worthy of a decent side trip from Jakarta or Bali.
The Krakatoa Festival lasts for 10 days showcasing village girls in colorful and even over-the-top costumes. The participants wear the famous Lampung (hideous) masks which are in stark contrast to the beautiful costumes worn by participants. The parades are accompanied by music and dancing and, unique in this part of Southeast Asia, even elephant performances.
The festival is also an opportunity for local artists, artisans and craftsmen to exhibit and sell their work, and food-loving tourists to sample Sumatran and Javan cuisines. There are plenty of games for children and adults alike, like kite-flying, boat racing, paragliding, motor-biking, and running.There are also music festivals, talent shows, ethnic graffiti contests, painting exhibitions and photography competition.
Towards the end of the festival, the celebrations take place in the actual remnant of the volcano itself. Those who participate in the street parades will be taken from the shores of Lampung to the foot – and even hillsides – of Anak Krakatoa if deemed safe by local authorities (since the area is an active volcano). If you are planning to see Anak Krakatoa and enjoy a celebratory atmosphere, attending the festival is the best way to do it.
Lampung Culinary Bazaar and Tapis Fabric Carnival
The Krakatoa Festival is a major celebration of the Lampung province in southern Sumatra. As such, the people and the local regency take this opportunity to showcase other aspects of their culture apart from the famous Anak Krakatoa.
The culinary bazaar during the festival would let you sample typical Lampung fares like “seruit,” river fishes that are fried or baked and eaten with shrimp paste, processed durian or mango, and rice; “kemplang” or fish crackers; and “pindang Lampung” a spicy, yellow-colored broth.
Lampung is also known for its rich weaving history until the industry was wiped out by the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa. Today, the fabric industry is slowly rebuilt with the Tapis Fabric Carnival, and once again Lampung designs come to mainstream attention. Because of their deft weaving techniques, particularly the peoples of Kalianda Bay, Lampung textiles are highly prized collectible items. You can score cloths that were only once intended for the aristocracy during the Tapis Carnival.
