Kelanawisata.id, Wonosobo — The spirit of independence has once again taken root within the community, as felt by the residents of Selokromo Village, Leksono Subdistrict, Wonosobo Regency, on Sunday, August 23, 2026. The village streets were filled with a vibrant array of colors, creativity, and the joy of the residents during the 8th Marrystone Culture Carnival (MCC), held as part of the series of events commemorating the 81st anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia.

Starting in the morning, the courtyard of the Selokromo Village Hall served as the gathering point for the community and carnival participants. It was from this location that each carnival participant performed before setting off to parade through the village streets, greeting residents along the route, and returning to the courtyard of the Selokromo Village Hall.

With the theme “Archipelago Culture,” the carnival—attended by representatives from the Department of Tourism and Culture, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, the subdistrict head, and several local community leaders—did more than just create a festive atmosphere. Behind the diverse creative displays lay the spirit of mutual cooperation and community solidarity as residents celebrated Independence Day. The village streets seemed to transform into an open stage for expressing creativity while nurturing the social bonds that have grown within village life.

The Village Head of Selokromo, Wahyu, expressed his appreciation for the enthusiasm of the community members who participated in the Marrystone Culture Carnival. According to him, the event—which involved nine neighborhood units (RW)—served as an opportunity to strengthen bonds of friendship and foster a spirit of mutual cooperation within the community.

“The Marrystone Culture Carnival isn’t just an event to celebrate the Republic of Indonesia’s Independence Day. More than that, this event serves as a platform to strengthen unity, mutual cooperation, and harmony among all residents of Selokromo Village,” said Wahyu.

He noted that the high level of community participation demonstrates that the spirit of togetherness remains a key strength in village life.

“We deeply appreciate all the residents who participated and worked together. Hopefully, this spirit of togetherness will continue to be upheld—not only during Independence Day celebrations but also in our daily lives,” he added.

For Wahyu, independence is not enough to be commemorated through ceremonies alone. Independence must be filled with hard work, creativity, compassion, and activities that strengthen community unity.

Meanwhile, Edi Santoso, Secretary of the Wonosobo Regency Tourism and Culture Office, noted that community events such as carnivals play a vital role in preserving local arts and culture. Community creativity is part of the cultural heritage that must be nurtured and passed down to future generations.

“Art and culture are an important part of our regional identity that we must continue to safeguard and preserve. Events like the Marrystone Culture Carnival provide a space for the community to express their creativity while showcasing the richness of our artistic and cultural heritage,” said Edi Santoso as he read the opening remarks on behalf of the Head of the Wonosobo Regency Tourism and Culture Office.

According to him, cultural preservation cannot be the responsibility of the government alone. It requires the involvement of the public, the arts community, the younger generation, and various other stakeholders to ensure that local arts and culture remain vibrant and continue to thrive.

“Wonosobo’s tourism potential is incredibly diverse and extends beyond well-known destinations. Villages possess cultural potential, traditions, community creativity, and local attractions that can be developed into key assets for regional tourism,” said Edi.

Therefore, the community is encouraged to continue protecting the environment, preserving traditions, fostering creativity, and simultaneously promoting the villages’ potential in a positive light to the wider public.

“The 8th Marrystone Culture Carnival (MCC) demonstrates that cultural preservation doesn’t always have to take place on grand stages. Villages, with all the creativity of their residents, are actually the most vibrant spaces for culture to flourish,” he concluded.

Culture as a Social Binder

Along the carnival route, the community witnessed how art and creativity blend with the spirit of independence. Children, youth, parents, and community leaders came together in a shared atmosphere, celebrating independence while fostering a sense of togetherness.

The nine carnival participants—representing the nine neighborhood units (RW) in Selokromo Village—demonstrate that culture can serve as a social glue. Differences in ideas and creativity actually become a source of richness that makes the carnival even more vibrant.

Moreover, the event demonstrated that the spirit of independence can be embodied through simple yet meaningful actions: creating art, preserving traditions, fostering harmony, and working together.

Amid rapid technological advancements and shifting lifestyles, cultural activities at the village level have become increasingly vital as a bridge connecting the younger generation to their cultural roots.

Gradually, the MCC has evolved from being merely an annual event in Selokromo Village into a story about a community that chooses to remain united, preserve traditions, and celebrate independence in their own unique way.

In Selokromo, the spirit of independence is not merely celebrated. It is brought to life through togetherness, preserved through culture, and developed into a source of pride for the village and Wonosobo.***

Writen by Dimas D. Pradikta, S.E., M.M - Adyatama Kepariwisataan dan Ekonomi Kreatif Ahli Pertama Dinas Pariwisata dan Kebudayaan Kabupaten Wonosobo
Curator: kelanawisata.id