Foreign Tourists Join Historic Banyuwangi Carnival 2026
- 19 Jul 2026 09:54 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
Poin Utama
- Banyuwangi Ethno Carnival (BEC) 2026 showcased the historic Bayu War through the theme "Perang Bayu: The Great War of Blambangan."
- Dozens of international tourists from countries including Belgium, the UK, the US, Sweden, Pakistan, and several African nations joined the two-kilometre cultural parade.
RRI.CO.ID, Banyuwangi - The heroic tale of the Bayu War, which raged across Blambangan in the 18th century, has now resonated on a global stage. Dozens of foreign tourists donned spectacular ethnic costumes for a two-kilometre parade at the Banyuwangi Ethno Carnival (BEC) 2026 in Banyuwangi Regency, East Java, on Saturday, 18 July 2026.
BEC 2026, titled Perang Bayu: The Great War of Blambangan, drew international visitors from the United Kingdom, Belgium, the United States, Sweden, several African countries and others. Their participation turned BEC into more than a cultural performance, it became a space for cross-cultural exchange involving people from around the world.
Jerome, a tourist from Belgium, said he was enthusiastic because his first visit to Indonesia coincided with the carnival.
“I am very excited, this is my first time in Indonesia and my first time in Banyuwangi, and it happens to be during the BEC event. I feel very honored to be part of this grand community agenda,” he said, as quoted by Antara.
Meanwhile, Murad, a visitor from Pakistan, described his involvement in BEC 2026 as an unforgettable experience. He said he was impressed after learning about the philosophy behind the costume he wore. “An amazing experience. The outfit I wore is rich in philosophy,” said Murad.
International participants wore ethnic costumes inspired by the heroic story of the Bayu War. Together with hundreds of other performers, they marched along the roughly two-kilometre carnival route from Blambangan Park to Ahmad Yani Street.
The foreign tourists said they were impressed by Banyuwangi’s cultural richness and felt that each costume carried a strong philosophical meaning. This experience was further enhanced by the friendliness of the local people and the spirit of mutual cooperation felt from the preparations through to the event.
Hundreds of performers also captivated audiences in spectacular ethnic attire that blended art, history and Banyuwangi culture as the parade reached the finish line on Ahmad Yani Street.
East Java Governor, Khofifah Indar Parawansa, said the Banyuwangi Ethno Carnival (BEC) inspires cultural and civilizational progress. “Not only for Banyuwangi, but also for East Java, Indonesia and the world,” Governor Khofifah said while opening the BEC 2026 ethnic fashion parade.
She added that BEC is also an expression of creativity from cultural figures, artists and the creative industry in the easternmost regency of Java. ***
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