5 Unique Traditions of the City of Solo that are Still Preserved Today

ABOUT SEMARANG — The city of Surakarta or better known as the city of Solo, is one of the cities in Indonesia that is rich in cultural traditions.

Even though modernization and urban development continue to accelerate, a number of distinctive traditions remain alive and have even become an attraction for tourists.

In the global and digital era, many local traditions have been displaced or forgotten. But in Solo, various factors keep the tradition alive.

There are several Solo cultural traditions that are still carried out today, including:

1. Heirloom Carnival & 1 Suro

One of the typical traditions in Solo is the heritage carnival before or on the evening of Suro 1 (Javanese new year).

A typical tradition of the city of Solo is that the Pusaka 1 Suro Carnival is held at night with a route of about 3 km from the Kasunanan Palace to the main square and back.

The 1st of Suro in the Javanese calendar is a sacred day and is often used as a moment for introspection and traditional rituals.

In Solo, especially the Kasunanan and Mangkunegaran palaces, lead heritage carnival processions as a form of respect for ancestors, as well as a symbol of maintaining balance between the supernatural world and the human world.

The heirloom carnival usually involves palace heirlooms, namely keris or heirlooms, spears, ensiks which are paraded together at night through the city center of Solo such as Jl. Major Kusmanto, Captain Mulyadi, Jl. Veterans, Jl. Yos Sudarso returned to Gladak.

This tradition strengthens relations between society, including the palace community and the city, as well as being an interesting cultural event.

This tradition also helps residents create awareness of their cultural roots, not just watching tourist shows, but becoming part of the ritual.

2. Sekaten & Grebeg Maulud

In Solo, Islamic customs are mixed with Javanese palace culture through the sekaten and grebeg maulud traditions.

Sekaten is an annual tradition held to commemorate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad SAW.

Sekaten originates from the Javanese court tradition, where the court gamelan was moved to the mosque and played as part of Islamic preaching in the past. This tradition is still carried out as a reminder of spiritual values ​​and traditions.

Grebeg Maulud is the culmination of sekaten, with carnivals, mountains and celebrations involving the wider community.

This tradition shows how the people of Solo combine palace customs with Islam in harmony.

Apart from the spiritual aspect, this event is a public space that strengthens the togetherness of residents, both from the palace, community leaders and ordinary citizens.

3. Grebeg Sudiro

One of the relatively new but strong traditions held in Solo is Grebeg Sudiro, which is a typical Chinese New Year celebration in Solo. This event stands out as an example of cultural diversity living side by side.

Grebeg Sudiro was held in Sudiroprajan Village, an area that has long been a center of Chinese and Javanese ethnic activity. This tradition combines Chinese (Imlek) culture with Javanese and Solonese traditions, which shows unified tolerance and diversity.

4. Flying Saucers in a Solo Wedding

Apart from the annual ritual tradition, there is a typical tradition found at Solo wedding events, namely the Flying Saucer tradition.

This tradition is unique and well known as part of the culture of Solo and also parts of Central Java.

Flying Saucer does not mean that the saucer actually flies, but that guests are seated in a place and the food is served by “flying” i.e. delivered directly by the waiter so that guests do not have to stand or queue.

It is said that this tradition arose because noble guests did not want to stand for long and there were many guests so serving had to be efficient.

5. Solo City Jenang & Birthday Festival

The city of Solo also has unique traditions in city birthday events, such as the mass distribution of jenang.

For example, in the tradition of Solo City’s 270th anniversary, 33,720 portions of jenang were distributed free of charge to residents throughout the Ngarsopura area.

Jenang is a traditional food made from rice flour and sugar or coconut milk, often found as a form of gratitude in Javanese culture. The distribution of jenang in city celebrations signifies shared gratitude and a spirit of togetherness.

Preserving traditions is not just carrying out old procedures, but also maintaining relevance and adapting to the times.

The city of Solo is indeed a unique city in the context of Indonesian culture, with distinctive traditions such as the 1 Suro night heritage carnival, Sekaten & Grebeg Maulud, Grebeg Sudiro, Flying Plates, and the distribution of jenang on the city’s birthday, all of which show a vibrant cultural heritage that is still relevant.

These traditions are not just spectacles or attractions, but part of the social, spiritual life and identity of the city of Solo.

For anyone interested in culture, history or tourism, understanding and witnessing Solo’s unique traditions can provide an authentic and immersive experience.***