Kelanawisata.id, Yogyakarta - The monthly “Selasa Wagen” event took place on Tuesday evening (11/18). The event was open to the public and featured a special performance by the master dancer Didi Nini Thowok. Activities began in the afternoon at several locations. The Maestro’s performance took place in front of the west gate of Kepatihan. Other locations included in front of Gedung Agung, the DIY Regional Parliament Building, Griya Abhipraya Purbonegoro (GAP), and the SO 1 March Monument.

On the main stage, the audience stood in a circle, enthusiastically watching the performances. Tuesday Wagen was enlivened by various activities, such as dance performances, talk shows, live music, line dancing, flash mobs, lion dances, and the main performance by Didi Nini Thowok.

The dancers’ graceful movements swayed the atmosphere under the glittering lights. The leaping barongsai and the graceful movements of the liongsai added a strong sense of cultural acculturation to the artistic atmosphere. Tuesday Wagen concluded with a captivating dance performance by Mas Didi.

In addition to Mas Didi’s performance, there was the Golong Gilig flash mob presented by DIY civil servants. The dance showcased harmonious collective movements, a narrative, and reflected the strong sense of solidarity among civil servants. “Today’s performances were truly unique, and this is an event open to everyone, so we can enjoy the arts of Yogyakarta while strolling along Malioboro,” said a tourist, Azka. 
Although the Tuesday Wagen event is held frequently, some tourists are unaware of it. “Oh, I didn’t even know—so there’s an event going on right now?” asked Ama, a tourist from Bangka, when asked about Tuesday Wagen.

During Tuesday Wagen, it’s not just artistic performances that are presented. Malioboro Street is closed off for Car Free Night, allowing tourists to enjoy Malioboro as a fully pedestrian-only zone. The new atmosphere of Malioboro now offers a more spacious pedestrian experience. This was expressed by a tourist from Sumatra, Ama: “Malioboro is now wider, more open, and a pleasure to look at.”

The Tuesday Wagen event is an arts activation held in Yogyakarta. It also reinforces the philosophical axis as a cultural heritage site designated by UNESCO on September 18, 2023. This event has become a monthly gathering that anyone can enjoy, including travelers visiting Yogyakarta.