Step into a vibrant celebration of tradition, music, and flavors where cultures unite in the heart of Semarang

The historic buildings of Kota Lama Semarang stand as a testament to the city’s rich cultural and colonial heritage. To preserve, maintain, and develop the area into an international tourist destination, the Kota Lama Festival returns for its thirteenth edition.

This year’s festival, themed Color of Unity, will run for eleven days from September 4 to September 14, 2025, in the iconic Kota Lama area. The event combines tradition, art, music, and culinary experiences, transforming Kota Lama into a vibrant and inclusive space for cultural expression.

The festival officially opened on September 4 at Laroka Theater with a performance by the Kota Lama Orchestra, marking the start of an event imbued with messages of unity. The orchestral music blends seamlessly with local cultural elements, creating a captivating experience for visitors of all ages.

In addition to music, the festival features Pasar Sentiling at Metro Point, offering legendary culinary specialties from across Indonesia. This nostalgic culinary concept allows visitors to savor authentic flavors from the past.

Cultural performances are also a highlight of the festival. On September 5, Wayang Orang on the Street was held at Jalan Suprapto at 6:00 PM, bringing traditional art into the public space. On September 6, Kagama Kolaborasi took place at Laroka Theater, showcasing a collaboration between Universitas Gadjah Mada alumni and local artists. On September 7, Laroka Theater hosted Jazz Kota Lama, featuring international musicians including Parra.dice from the Netherlands and Zixuan & Slow Train from Taiwan.

On September 9, Kota Lama Orchestra returned to perform at Gereja Blenduk at 6:00 PM. From September 11 to 14, visitors can enjoy the Pikat Wastra Nusantara exhibition alongside Korean Hanbok at Gedung Oudetrap, presenting Indonesian traditional fabrics alongside Korean traditional attire.

The festival reaches its climax with Fiesta Folklore Nusantara on September 12 and 13 in front of Gedung Marba, from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The performances showcase art from various regions, including Yogyakarta, Bengkulu, Lampung, Nias, Bugis, Minang, Kudus, and Ponorogo, as well as local Kota Lama art communities. Participation from groups in Pangkal Pinang and representatives from South Korea emphasizes the festival’s cross-cultural spirit.

With its rich lineup of art, music, and culinary experiences, the Kota Lama Semarang Festival 2025 not only invites visitors to reflect on the past but also actively promotes the preservation of cultural heritage for future generations.

photo source: eventdaerah.kemenparekraf.go.id

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