Kelanawisata.id, Bantul - The aroma of traditional spices and the wisp of smoke from clay stoves will soon fill the air around the Masjid Gedhe Mataram in Kotagede. In the shadow of the historic old walls of Masjid Gedhe Mataram, rows of bamboo stalls are preparing to welcome thousands of visitors to this annual event eagerly anticipated by the community.

Pasar Lawas Mataram will once again open its doors to the public on September 25–27, 2026. Held at the iconic courtyard of the Masjid Gedhe Mataram, this event transforms into a time machine, transporting visitors back to the atmosphere of the Islamic Mataram civilization of the past.

Small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners from Jagalan Village are the key players behind the revival of rare culinary dishes that are now hard to find in modern markets. More than just a marketplace, the presence of these local vendors represents a concrete effort to preserve ancestral recipes that have nearly been lost to the passage of time. The event’s primary focus remains on empowering local SMEs to strengthen the village’s economic structure by leveraging its historical and cultural potential.

The corners of the mosque courtyard will be filled with displays of handicrafts and traditional children’s toys from days gone by. These items, which once served as playmates for Javanese children, are being brought back to introduce philosophical values to Generation Alpha.

The classic atmosphere is further enhanced by a series of artistic performances scheduled to take the main stage in rotation. The sound of gamelan accompanying traditional dances, the melodies of old songs, and ketoprak performances will provide entertainment that enriches visitors’ sensory experience over three consecutive days.

This event, held at this heritage site, is expected to raise public awareness of the importance of preserving historical sites while enjoying the creative economy that continues to thrive in Kotagede.