Oleh MC Kota Singkawang, Rabu, 24 Februari 2016 | 15:16 WIB - Redaktur: Penni Patmawati Rusman - 1K
Singkawang, InfoPublik – The Deputy Governor of West Kalimantan, Christiandi Sanjaya, started on Monday (2/22), the 2016 Cap Go Meh Singkawang Festival. A total of 612 tatungs—persons who are possessed by spirits—performed in the event that celebrated the 15th day of the Lunar Calendar.
Mr. Sanjaya said the celebration in Singkawang becomes more exciting every year. He also urged Singkawang residents to create a sense of security and comfort during the festival. "Let’s create a sense of security and comfort as well as give the best service to the guests," he said.
Cap Go Meh Singkawang was awarded as a Wonderful of the World for its unique features. Thus, the West Kalimantan Provincial Government is targeting 12 million tourists to visit the province for this year’s event.
At the event, Singkawang City Mayor, Awang Ishak, said besides the Chinese New Year and Cap Go Meh, there are many Chinese cultures that can be promoted, for instance bakcang—traditional cake—festival and grave praying.
This year, Singkawang City Government prepared bakcang festival site at the Kwan Im Goddess (Chinese Goddess of Mercy) Bathing Garden in Roban Mountain, next to the Army’s Battalion 641 Headquarters. "We plan to build it for this year. So, by the end of my tenure, we will have bakcang festival site,” he said.
Mayor Awang also expects West Kalimantan Deputy Governor to prioritize Singkawang Airport development due to its importance to boost tourism in the area.
Meanwhile, since morning before the tatung parade started, thousands of people have flocked the streets and a number of police officers were deployed to manage the traffic. (Eddy/toeb/Translator: Wilda Stiana)
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