'Cap Go Meh' celebrations hope for blessings

Colorful parade withs liong (dragon dances) and barongsay (lion dances) as well as traditional performances on the street marked Cap Go Meh celebrations in the capital.

Thousands of Chinese-Indonesians lined up along the streets on Feb. 7 to enjoy the Cap Go Meh parade, enthusiastically greeting the toapekong (effigies of gods).

Starting from Fatahillah Museum, the parade moved toward Hayamwuruk, Gajah Mada and ended at Petak Sembilan, Pancoran in Glodok, West Jakarta.

Held on the 15th day of the first month of the Lunar Calendar, Cap Go Meh celebrations are believed to be the day when the gods come out of the heavens to grant wishes and spread good luck.

-- JP