Hoyak Tabuik, a Living Cultural Heritage of Pariaman

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The city of Pariaman, West Sumatra, is once again hosting the 2026 Pesona Budaya Hoyak Tabuik Piaman. It is an annual cultural tradition that serves as both an icon and a source of pride for the local community.

According to the Instagram account @pesonabudayahoyaktabuikpiaman, this year's Pesona Budaya Hoyak Tabuik festival will take place from June 16 to June 28, 2026. The cultural festival has long served as an important part of Pariaman’s identity.

The Tabuik tradition is a traditional ceremony held to commemorate Ashura, marking the death of Husain bin Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), in Karbala. This traditional ceremony was brought to West Sumatra in the 19th century by Muslim migrants from India.

The Tabuik itself is a replica of a tower-shaped structure built through community cooperation, reflecting the values of togetherness, solidarity, and respect for history. Over time, the tradition blended with local culture and evolved into a distinctive cultural heritage of Pariaman.

The series of Hoyak Tabuik cultural processions is rich in symbols and philosophical meanings. The event begins with Maambiak Tanah, which symbolizes the origin of life, followed by Manabang Batang Pisang, Maradai, Turun Panja, and Maatam as a form of respect for the historical events that underlie this tradition.

The procession then continues with the Maarak Jari-jari and Maarak Saroban before all parts of the Tabuik are assembled during the Tabuik Naik Pangkek ceremony.

The highlight of the celebration takes place during the Tabuik Dibuang ka Lauik procession, the ceremonial casting of the Tabuik into the sea, the most eagerly anticipated moment of the festival. This procession is not only a captivating cultural spectacle, but also embodies the themes of release and respect for the values passed down from generation to generation.

In addition to witnessing the traditional procession, visitors can also enjoy various arts and cultural performances as well as a creative industry bazaar featuring local businesses. The blend of traditional art, modern musical elements, and a variety of supporting activities makes Hoyak Tabuik one of the premier cultural tourism events in West Sumatra.

The Hoyak Tabuik festival strengthens not only the cultural identity of the Pariaman community, but also serves as a means of promoting tourism and preserving Indonesia’s cultural heritage at both the national and international levels.