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Before this day, Chinese descendents from all over Indonesia as well as from surrounding countries have flocked into this city of a thousand shrines. The Office of Culture, Tourism, Youth and Sport of Singkawang reported that in order to assist visitors they have prepared additional homestay accommodation for those wishing to take part in these joyous Cap Go Meh celebrations, the hallmark of Singkawang.
The town of Singkawang , located 145 km north of the provincial capital city, Pontianak, has a majority Chinese population who have settled here since the gold rush in the mid 1700’s when an influx of Chinese migrants came to work the gold mines.
To the Indonesian Chinese, Cap Go Meh is the pinnacle of the 15-day celebrations that starts from the beginning of the New Year. Therefore, all the energy and ecstasy are saved for this day. Annually, Singkawang is undoubtedly the most festive town in Indonesia come Cap Go Meh. Not only will this fiesta take in Chinese communities from surrounding districts, but will also include ethnic Dayak communities who are part of Singkawang’s social structure, who will also participate in these communal performances. Their much awaited performance is that of the magical tatung who possess supernatural powers. Wearing highly decorated costumes just like the venerated Chinese gods, the Tatung or locally known as Louya would walk around in a trance, piercing themselves with sharp stakes, and emerge completely unharmed. Besides these performances, there are plenty more to see and do in historic Singkawang , so that visitors and photographers in particular will not be disappointed.
Visit the ceramic factories here. Until today Singkawang produces some excellent Chinese vases following ancient design and tradition.
Other parts in Indonesia where Cap Goh Meh celebrations take place are in cities with a concentration of Chinese communities, such as in Palembang, Jakarta, Semarang, Surabaya, Makassar and Manado.
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