Kelanawisata.id, Yogyakarta - At 12:00 a.m. WIB, Malioboro was closed for 24 hours (October 7). The Car Free Day event was held as a replacement for the Wayang Jogja Night Carnival, which is typically held every October 7.

The WJNC festival has been postponed for this year. “We are requesting permission to follow the Minister of Home Affairs’ directive that the WJNC may be postponed for now; hopefully, it can be held next year,” said Hasto, the Mayor of Yogyakarta, during an interview with Tribun Jogja (September 19).

Malioboro Car Free Day marks the 269th anniversary of the City of Yogyakarta. Along Jalan Margo Utomo to Malioboro, curved yellow palm fronds are displayed. The streets are quiet, with only horse-drawn carriages, becaks, and a few TransJogja buses passing through. Residents stroll about, enjoying the car-free atmosphere of Malioboro Street.

On both sides of every intersection, paintings created by students were displayed. Street musicians played music at several spots. From pop songs to viral hits, the musicians performed to entertain tourists strolling along Malioboro Street. Photo spots featuring the number 269 were also scattered throughout and drew the attention of tourists. In the afternoon, dancers also performed in the middle of Malioboro Street.

Although the Wayang Jogja Night Carnival was postponed, the nighttime atmosphere in Malioboro at that time was different. The celebration of Yogyakarta’s 269th anniversary was held in a simple manner. It was a different kind of atmosphere for a city anniversary celebration. However, this did not diminish the festive spirit. The celebration took place in a calm, simple, and pollution-free manner.