Governor: Tumbilotohe Festival symbolises preservation of Gorontalo culture
Gorontalo — Gorontalo Governor Gusnar Ismail has stated that the 2026 Tumbilotohe Mulolo Festival represents a symbol of collaboration and cultural preservation for the local community.
Speaking in Gorontalo on Tuesday, Gusnar explained that the Tumbilotohe tradition, popularly known locally as the “night of illuminated lamps,” is a community practice observed on the 27th night of Ramadan.
“The Tumbilotohe Festival is not merely a seasonal ceremonial tradition, but a symbol of preserving Gorontalo culture based on Islamic teachings,” Gusnar said.
Over time, Tumbilotohe has undergone transformation. In the past (Mulolo), the tradition featured teplok lamps fuelled by kerosene, and even earlier, communities used damar resin to keep lamps burning throughout the night. Although contemporary decorative lighting now utilises electricity in urban areas, it is hoped that the essential spirit of the Tumbilotohe tradition will not diminish.
The various illumination innovations of Tumbilotohe, typically held on the 27th night of Ramadan, carry significant religious value and meaning. The tradition also serves as a reminder to all Muslims to pay zakat fitrah (alms-giving at the end of Ramadan).
This is why the Tumbilotohe night is considered a blend of cultural beauty and religious obligation, whereby the community has an opportunity to perfect their worship during the final days of the holy month of Ramadan.
For this reason, in 2026—coinciding with Ramadan 1447 AH—the Gorontalo Provincial Government is organising the Tumbilotohe Mulolo Festival, featuring 7,500 bottle lights arranged to create distinctive beauty.
In addition to the Tumbilotohe display, the organising committee will present various local cultural performances including torch processions and religious arts competitions, as well as traditional Gorontalo food vendors from the past.
The implementation of this event reflects strong collaboration and coordination among all components of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), regional government agencies (OPD), industry players and entrepreneurs, banking institutions, community leaders, and other relevant parties.