Kelanawisata.id, Surakarta – One of the cultural traditions most eagerly anticipated by local and international tourists at the start of the year is being held once again in the city of Surakarta. Grebeg Sudiro 2026 has been taking place with great fanfare from February 5 to February 21, 2026, showcasing cultural diversity and harmony among communities in the Sudiroprajan neighborhood, the heart of Solo’s Chinatown. Now in its 17th year, the festival consistently showcases the rich acculturation of Javanese and Chinese cultures in this city of batik.

Sudiroprajan Village itself has a long history as a multi-ethnic community, where Chinese and Javanese ethnic groups have lived side by side since colonial times. The area developed as a market and residential district starting in the 18th century with the establishment of Pasar Gede Hardjonagoro—Surakarta’s largest traditional market—and the construction of the Tien Kok Sie Temple, a historical testament to local cultural diversity.

The Grebeg Sudiro Festival originated from the local community as a celebration of the Lunar New Year. Initially, this event was conceived by local community leaders and members of the local Chinese-Javanese community as a procession of earth offerings and a celebration of togetherness, which later evolved into an annual event in Surakarta.

The uniqueness of this festival lies in its harmonious blend of cultures. The highlight of the Grebeg Sudiro event is a parade featuring “gunungan”—towers made of thousands of basket cakes, vegetables, and fruits—adorned with traditional Chinese New Year lanterns. The parade is enlivened by traditional Javanese art groups such as lion dances, dragon dances, and traditional dances from Solo. This colorful carnival atmosphere not only captivates visitors but also underscores spirituality and gratitude for abundance.

“I took the KRL from Yogyakarta; this is my first time seeing Grebeg Sudiro. It’s unique because Grebeg is typically Javanese, but here there’s a cultural fusion between Javanese and Chinese traditions,” said Rafi, a tourist from Yogyakarta.'

During the festival, the Pasar Gede area and its surroundings transform into an attractive cultural and culinary tourism destination. Thousands of visitors can enjoy an SME bazaar featuring a variety of Solo specialties such as nasi liwet, timlo, and dawet telasih, as well as traditional snacks that reflect a fusion of flavors. A boat tour along the Kali Pepe River, adorned with colorful lanterns, offers a unique experience that nighttime visitors shouldn’t miss.

Following the festival’s conclusion, Grebeg Sudiro 2026 left a joyful impression, with high enthusiasm among residents and tourists alike. Community participation involved approximately 1,500 residents of Sudiroprajan, and the event once again reaffirmed Surakarta as a hub of cultural harmony that attracts tourists. With its designation as one of the Top 10 Tourism Events in Central Java Province and recognition as a National Charisma Event (KEN), this event has helped put Solo on the national tourism map.