January Festivals
Chinese New Year: the Indonesian Chinese celebrate this day by visiting family and friends and giving out red envelopes with money in them (ampau). Acrobatic dragon dances are held in the homes of rich Chinese and in the business premises for good luck. Long strings of crackers are lit to scare away the ghosts and demons. Eu Tong Street, Jakarta’s Chinatown, is the best place to witness or join in the celebrations. February Festivals
Thaipusam: Hindu devotees honour Lord Subramaniam in this festival which includes a street procession from the temple with the statue of Lord Subramanian being carried by holy men and devotees. There is a lot of breaking of coconuts as wishes are asked for and thanks given. June Festivals
Hari Waisak: a Buddhist celebration honouring the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha. Temples are cleaned and statues polished and the day begins with thousands of devotees gathering at the temples to offer prayers and lighting incense sticks. Traditional celebrations can be enjoyed by visiting the large Buddhist monastery in North Jakarta. Tabut: the celebrations include making and painting bourags (winged horses) in the vibrant colours of red, blue, green and yellow. The people sing and dance as they walk down to the sea where the bourags are plunged into the ocean. The festival is especially joyful in Pariaman as people from all over Indonesia flock here to witness or to participate in the ceremonies. July Festivals
Jakarta Kite Festival: hundreds of colourful kites of different shapes and sizes take to the sky on this day. This is a light hearted fun festival where locals and visitors mingle together in the spirit of friendship as there are no winners and no losers. August Festivals
Independence Day: the city rejoices in its independence from Dutch rule. The festivities begin a month before Independence Day but usually culminate with a flag raising ceremony, a reading of the original declaration of independence and a parade that includes the army, navy, air force and police followed by school children and others. Dancing and singing patriotic songs are the norm during this period. At night there is an impressive firework display. October Festivals
Hari Raya Idul Fitri: marks the end of the fasting period for the Muslims. The day begins with prayers at mosques, followed by the slaughtering of cows as was done in the time of the Prophet Mohammad. Non-Muslims visit the homes of their Muslim friends to participate in the festivities that include eating, playing games and singing. A firework display usually lights up the skies of Jakarta. December Festivals
Christmas Day: is celebrated by many people in Jakarta and in the more urban areas in Indonesia. There are special menus, dancing and the traditional countdown to the festive day. | 
