Every year during Semana Santa, the largest and oldest Catholic event in Indonesia takes place: The faithful process with the wooden statue of “Tuan Ma” (Mother Mary) in Larantuka, a subdistrict on the eastern side of Flores island. This has taken place for 500 years.
Legend and historical accounts indicate that the Tuan Ma statue washed ashore on Larantuka beach shortly after the Virgin Mary appeared to a young boy in 1510 and revealed her identity by writing on the sand: “Akulah Reinha Rosari” (“I am the Queen of the Rosary”). Though this 16th century apparition does not have official approval by the Vatican, it is the first reported vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary to be recorded in Indonesia’s history.
During the Easter season, following Semana Santa, the Bale Nagi Festival also takes place in Flores to showcase the skills and handicrafts of over 1,500 weavers living in the eastern part of the island, which attracts both religious pilgrims and cultural tourists.
The Indonesian government has additionally expressed support to boost tourism in Labuan Bajo, a fishing town on the western side of Flores. The Golo Koe Festival organized by the Diocese of Ruteng annually takes place from Aug. 10–15 in honor of the Assumption of Mary. The main event of the festival is the solemn Mass celebrated on Aug. 15.
In addition to the celebration of the Mass and the procession of Mary of the Assumption, Golo Koe includes parades showcasing local music and dances as well as cultural and culinary arts expositions throughout the six-day event.
“The Diocese of Ruteng has designed and continues to promote holistic tourism in the region,” Bishop Siprianus Hormat of Ruteng told The Jakarta Post. “Tourism must be built upon and evolve from local culture roots and local spirituality.”
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