TEMPO.CO, Mataram - The Moyo Festival is currently being held in Sumbawa Besar, Sumbawa district, West Nusa Tenggara from September 20 to 29. During this cultural week, various attractions will be performed, which began with the opening ceremony at Sumbawa Besar’s pavilion.
As many as 800 basarune (wind instrument) players opened the festival by playing the three melodies of Temung Nguri. Temung Nguri tells the tale of the splendor, greatness and glory of the Sumbawa Kingdom, usually played to welcome guests.
Other opening performances included the Getap Bagentar dance portraying the spirit and activities of the younger generation in building the nation. Afterwards, a cultural parade named Junyung Pasaji stormed the streets.
Director general for tourism destinations at the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry, Firmansyah Rahim, said the Moyo Festival has become an event where culture observers, artists and tourists gather, and where the people of Sumbawa can show off their art and culture.
Other attractions during the 2013 Moyo Festival will include Barapan Kebo, a traditional buffalo racing event held at Serading village, Moyo sub-district. Aside from racing, decorated buffaloes will also be judges. There will also be the Nugman competition where buffalo owners dance around with a whip.
SUPRIYANTHO KHAFID
