Cultural attractions in East Nusa Tenggara offer a wealth of captivating traditions, from traditional dances to unique religious ceremonies, illustrating the cultural diversity and ancestral heritage that is still preserved today.
The natural beauty of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province is no less beautiful than the cultural heritage passed down from generation to generation by its people.
Art and culture are an important part of community life in every region. The uniqueness and diversity of the meaning is a stunning tourist attraction.
The following three cultural attractions in NTT are already widely known and have become icons of cultural tourism in Indonesia. These cultural attractions are also very unique because they are only performed by men and staged at certain times of the year.
The following three cultural attractions can be a great choice of cultural tourism destinations in east Nusa Tenggara.
The 3 Popular Cultural Attractions in East Nusa Tenggara
1. Pasola in Sumba
Credit: wikipedia.org
The Pasola festival is very interesting to watch. Apart from the thrill of the game, there is also meaning in it. Everyone can watch this festival for free because it takes place in an open field.
Pasola festival is a tradition of war between two groups of horsemen chasing each other while throwing wooden javelins at the opponent.
Pasola is held once a year at the beginning of the planting season, precisely in February held in Lamboya District and March held in Wanokaka and West Laboya/Gaura Districts.
There are three Pasola attractions that are routinely held every year, which are the Pasola Lamboya, Pasola Wanukaka and Pasola Gaura. Pasola Wanukaka and Pasola Gaura usually take place in March. Pasola Wanukaka takes place in Wanukaka Sub-district and Pasola Gaura takes place in West Lamboya Sub-district.
The date of the Pasola celebration is determined based on the calculation of the dark and light months and by looking at natural signs. One month before Pasola, all residents must comply with a number of restrictions.
Pasola is held once a year at the beginning of the planting season, precisely in February-March. It is held at the time of the full moon and begins with the Nyale ceremony, looking for sea worms that come out on the beach as a sign of the coming harvest season.
2. Caci Dance in Manggarai
Credit: wikipedia.org
Caci is a war dance as well as a folk game between a pair of male dancers who fight with whips (larik) and shields (Nggiling).
Dancers armed with Larik act as the attackers and others who defend use the Nggiling. This dance is usually performed during harvest season thanksgiving (Hang Woja) and other major traditional ceremonies. In between the games, the elders, both men and women, dance joyfully while walking regularly in a circle.
Caci dance is an art form that is able to show ethical values for the Manggarai people and those who witness it.
3. Traditional Boxing in Nagekeo
Credit: matawarga.co.id
Etu or traditional boxing is one of the cultural tours of Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. The center of the Etu tradition in Nagekeo is Wulu Valley Village, Maupongo District.
The opening of the Etu tradition is held annually in this village in February. Determination of the date is carried out according to the local agricultural calendar. This traditional boxing is also only carried out by adult men.
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