Ahead of Larantuka Holy Week, Hundreds of Pilgrims Begin Registering

Hundreds of pilgrims from various regions have begun registering to attend the Semana Santa tradition, also known as Hari Bae (Good Day), at the Diocese of Larantuka in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Semana Santa in Larantuka takes place during the holy week leading up to Easter.

Pastor of Larantuka Cathedral Parish, Reverend Lukas Laba Erap, confirmed that pilgrims have started registering. This year’s Semana Santa celebrations run from 29 March to 5 April 2026, with the peak of the festivities falling on 3 April.

“They have registered,” said Reverend Lukas briefly on Monday, 9 March 2026. He confirmed that hundreds of pilgrims have already registered to participate in the Semana Santa celebrations in Larantuka.

Based on data obtained, the number of people who had registered for Semana Santa by Monday (9 March) had reached 136. They come from various regions such as Sulawesi, Java, Kalimantan and elsewhere. There are also foreign nationals who have registered.

Pilgrims participating in the Semana Santa celebrations typically stay in hotels, homestays and private homes throughout Larantuka. Currently, Catholics in Larantuka are entering the pre-Easter season.

Preparations for the Easter celebration and the arrival of pilgrims are underway with street cleaning throughout Larantuka. Larantuka is recognised as the oldest centre of Catholic tradition in Indonesia. One tradition unique to Larantuka and not found in other regions is Semana Santa.

The Semana Santa tradition is a ritual dedicated to Jesus and the Virgin Mary (Mater Dolorosa) mourning as she witnesses her son’s suffering before his crucifixion. The Semana Santa celebrations last approximately one week, beginning with Wednesday of Ashes, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday.

Typically, thousands of pilgrims flock to escort the meeting of Tuan Ma, Tuan Meninu and Tuan Ana to Renha Rosari Cathedral Church of the Diocese of Larantuka. Along the procession route, pilgrims recite prayers and sing hymns to the Lord.

Tuan Ma is a statue depicting the Virgin Mary that was discovered on the shore of Larantuka in 1510. Tuan Ana is a statue of Jesus. There is also Tuan Meninu, the infant Jesus, which was discovered approximately 100 years after the discovery of the Tuan Ma statue.