KBRN, Banyuwangi: More than 1,000 dancers are set to perform the colossal Gandrung Sewu dance at Marina Boom Beach in Banyuwangi, East Java, on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

Held annually since 2012, the performance has become one of the region’s premier cultural events, drawing thousands of tourists each year.

This year’s Gandrung Sewu Festival, part of the broader Banyuwangi Festival, carries the theme “Majestic Umbrella.” The event has evolved into a symbol of Banyuwangi’s cultural tourism, showcasing the traditional Gandrung dance against the scenic backdrop of the Bali Strait.

“Gandrung Sewu is more than a massive dance performance. It’s a celebration of cultural preservation and social unity,” said Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani on Thursday, October 9. “Over a thousand dancers, from students to seasoned performers, will take part. It’s one of Banyuwangi’s proudest events.”

According to Ipuk, participating in Gandrung Sewu is a source of pride for local dancers. Each year, organizers must select from thousands of applicants. This year, more than 2,000 dancers were chosen.

“They receive full support from their parents, who enthusiastically prepare everything. The regency administration only facilitates the event,” Ipuk said. “We invite tourists to witness how Banyuwangi’s youth express their love and energy through art, preserving their ancestral heritage.”

For the first time, the Banyuwangi Regency Administration is welcoming dancers from outside the region. At least 200 dancers from 10 regencies and cities will join the Gandrung performers.

“Participants are coming from Malang, Kediri, Sidoarjo, Gresik, Pasuruan, Bali, Probolinggo, and Situbondo. Even members of the diaspora from Sorong, Papua, and South Sumatra are joining,” said Acting Head of the Banyuwangi Tourism Agency, Taufik Rohman.

Atika Zahra, a dancer from Pasuruan, expressed her excitement about performing on the Gandrung Sewu stage. “I love Banyuwangi dances, especially Gandrung. I’m thrilled to finally be part of this grand event,” she said.

Safira Firdaus from Sidoarjo shared a similar sentiment. “I’m proud to participate in Gandrung Sewu. Even though I’m not originally from Banyuwangi, I find this dance deeply inspiring,” she said.

The festival also features a series of supporting events. It began on October 23 with a music festival, followed by the Meras Gandrung procession on October 24, a ritual for dancers before their main performance.

In the evening, visitors can enjoy the Banyuwangi Percussion Festival at the Sobo Integrated Terminal, which showcases performances from four music studios featuring traditional percussion instruments. (Misni Parjiati/Ed. Lasti Martina)