Jepara's Lomban Syawalan Features White Buffalo Parade as New Tourist Attraction
Jepara (ANTARA) - The Lomban Syawalan in Jepara Regency, Central Java, has once again presented a unique cultural attraction with the white buffalo parade as a new tourist draw, expected to increase tourist visits and positively impact the local economy on Friday.
The annual tradition, whose peak is marked by the floating of a buffalo head offering into the sea off Jepara, covers a distance of more than 1 kilometre, starting from the Jobokuto Fish Auction Site (TPI) to the Animal Slaughterhouse (RPH) in the Jepara Flats area. The event was attended by Regent Witiarso Utomo, Deputy Regent M Ibnu Hajar, Secretary of the Regency Ary Bachtiar, and members of the Forkopimda.
Regent of Jepara Witiarso Utomo in Jepara on Friday reaffirmed his commitment to continuously developing the Jepara Lomban Syawalan tradition to provide broader economic benefits for the community.
He added that in future celebrations, the local government will maximise the potential of this tradition to increase Local Original Revenue (PAD). The white buffalo parade is hoped to become a new magnet in the series of the Jepara Lomban Syawalan Festival 2026.
According to him, the white buffalo parade is not merely an annual tradition but an important part of the coastal community’s cultural identity in Jepara. The presence of the white buffalo in this year’s parade also carries deep philosophy, symbolising new spirit and extraordinary strength.
Furthermore, he explained that the parade also serves as a symbol of openness to the community.
“This parade is not just a procession, but also a symbol of openness, that the buffalo to be floated is whole, not just its head. This simultaneously addresses understandings that have developed in the community and preserves the values of faith passed down through generations,” he stated.
The white buffalo parade was last held in 2019, and this year it is being carried out again as proof that the spirit of the Jepara community in preserving culture never fades.
The enthusiasm of the residents was also high. Thousands of people crowded along the parade route to witness the large-sized white buffalo with its majestic appearance.
One resident, Retno (40), admitted to waiting since morning to witness the parade after hearing news of the white buffalo procession.
The peak of the Lomban Syawalan tradition in 2026 will be enlivened by the floating of the buffalo head into the sea off Jepara on Saturday (28/3), which is usually joined by thousands of fishermen’s boats.
This tradition serves as an expression of gratitude to Allah SWT for the abundance of sustenance from the sea, as well as a prayer for the people of Jepara, especially the fishermen, to always be granted safety and blessings.