A vibrant showcase of heritage and creativity, breathing new life into timeless traditions

Festival Rimpu Mantika will once again be held in Bima City, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), from April 24 to 26, 2025, as one of 110 national events in the Nusantara Event Calendar (KEN) supported by the Ministry of Tourism. This festival serves as an important moment to preserve and promote Bima’s rich cultural heritage, particularly rimpu—a traditional garment worn by Bimanese women since the era of the Second Sultanate of Bima in 1640 AD.

With the theme Aesthetic of Bima, the 2025 Festival Rimpu Mantika embraces the spirit of cultural preservation through a series of engaging activities. Held at Serasuba Field, visitors will enjoy traditional Bimanese music performances, folk games, and fashion shows featuring handwoven textiles from Bima, Dompu, and other regions. The woven fabrics on display include those from Renda and Donggo villages, highlighting motifs and colors rich in cultural philosophy.

The uniqueness of rimpu lies in how it is worn—without using safety pins or sewing needles. Paired with a traditional lower garment called sanggentu, rimpu reflects the identity and status of Bimanese women. To this day, rimpu is still used in daily life and sacred events, making it a living symbol of cultural continuity.

The festival also serves as a platform for local creative economy players and culinary artisans, who collaborate with participants from other regions to showcase the diverse flavors of the archipelago. Fourteen community associations will take part in this year's festival, with a target increase in participants from 70,000 to 90,000 people.

Community involvement is extensive, including government institutions, students, and university participants from across Bima Regency. A wide variety of traditional woven fabrics in vibrant colors and patterns will enliven the festival, making it a truly memorable cultural and visual celebration.

The inclusion of Festival Rimpu Mantika in the 2025 Karisma Event Nusantara list is a source of pride for Bima City. More than just a cultural showcase, the festival is expected to boost the local economy, attract domestic and international tourists, and reinforce the local cultural identity passed down through generations.

photo source : kemenparekraf.go.id

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