RRI.CO.ID, Semarang - The 2026 Dugderan Carnival transformed the streets of Semarang, Central Java, into a vibrant display of cross-cultural and interfaith harmony on Monday, February 16, 2026, as thousands of participants marched to welcome the holy month of Ramadan.

Starting from the Semarang City Hall and concluding at the Great Mosque of Central Java, this year’s tradition introduced key innovations such as the inaugural involvement of children and a reinforced focus on the symbolic Warak Ngendog. By blending these new elements with long-standing customs, the city successfully utilized the annual parade to foster deeper unity among its diverse residents while ensuring the preservation of its unique cultural identity.

Semarang Mayor Agustina Wilujeng Pramestuti observed that the 2026 festivities were more unique and engaging than in previous years. This year's theme, "Together in Culture, Tolerance in Tradition," reflects the spirit of unity among Semarang's diverse community in preserving their cultural heritage.

The mayor emphasized that the theme highlights Dugderan as a vital turning point for the city. "The most important point is that this Dugderan becomes a starting point to escort our Muslim friends to begin their fasting," she said, as quoted by Antara.

She also highlighted the Warak Ngendog symbol, which serves as the primary icon of this year’s event. The philosophy of the Warak "ngendog" (laying an egg) represents harmony, self-control, and the hope for collective prosperity.

"What is unique today is that every Warak is required to 'lay an egg,' because if the Warak does not 'lay an egg,' we might end up in conflict, and there would be no blessings to share," she remarked.

Another major highlight of Dugderan 2026 was the inaugural Children's Dugder Parade, featuring students and cultural art groups. The mayor expressed great pride in seeing the enthusiasm of the younger generation participating in the tradition as part of a cultural regeneration process.

"I was happy to see young children starting to join in the dancing, and later, for the first time, we will officially release the children's contingent," she said.

Involving children is seen as a way to transfer knowledge and ensure the preservation of the tradition so that Dugderan remains alive in the future. She expressed her belief that the involvement of the youth is the key to the sustainability of Semarang City's cultural heritage.

Furthermore, this year's Dugderan is considered exceptionally unique because it coincides with various religious celebrations, strengthening values of tolerance within society. This alignment fosters a deeper sense of peace and unity among the city's residents.

"Dugderan is expected to be more unique this year as it relates to the Lunar New Year and the Lenten fasting period for our Christian and Catholic friends," she said.

She added that through this, harmony will become even tighter, and Semarang will become increasingly peaceful.

The 2026 Dugderan was attended by thousands of participants from 16 subdistricts, community organizations, and art communities. The series of events included cultural parades and traditional performances, culminating in the beating of the drum to signal the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan. ***