Sekaten

Sekaten is a Javanese traditional celebration, held annually to commemorate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (Mawlid). The celebration typically takes place in Yogyakarta and Surakarta (Solo), Indonesia.

The core of Sekaten revolves around a week-long market fair and various cultural performances. The fair offers a wide array of goods, from food and clothing to handicrafts and traditional toys. It's a bustling event drawing large crowds.

Key elements of the Sekaten celebration include the Gamelan Sekaten, a set of traditional Javanese musical instruments, which are played continuously throughout the week in the courtyards of the Kraton (royal palace) in both Yogyakarta and Surakarta. The music is considered sacred and is a significant part of the festivities.

Another significant event is the Grebeg Mulud, a procession where the Sultan of Yogyakarta or Sunan of Surakarta distributes Gunungan (cone-shaped offerings made of rice, vegetables, and other produce) to the public. The Gunungan are considered to bring blessings, and the people eagerly participate in grabbing pieces of it after the procession.

Sekaten is not merely a festive event; it also holds historical and religious significance, serving as a reminder of the Prophet Muhammad's birth and the spread of Islam in Java. It blends Islamic traditions with local Javanese customs, making it a unique cultural phenomenon.