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check -- JSR An historic legacy celebrated in Semarang

The provincial capital of Central Java, Semarang, recently wrapped up a week of celebrations held to mark the 600th anniversary of the arrival of Chinese explorer Admiral Zheng He (known locally as Cheng Ho).

The highlight was a street carnival, Sam Poo Kong Kirab (Sam Poo Kong parade), held last Thursday, in which people from throughout the city and groups from as far afield as Surakarta and Yogyakarta also participated.

Sam Poo Kong is also the name given to a temple located in Gedung Batu, believed to be the area where Zheng He and his massive fleet landed.

Following the celebrations, the provincial administration announced that it would adopt the temple as a provincial icon, for Zheng He was highly regarded, not only for building links between his place of origin and local people but also for promoting the study of science during his time in Semarang.

Below are images from the celebrations -- proof of how vibrant and deeply rooted is the influence that Zheng He and his entourage had on the cultural development of the city.

-- Text and photos by Suherdjoko

Captions :

Photo A : A nighttime view of Sam Poo Kong temple.

Photo B : A man from Tegal, Central Java, rides by dressed as Admiral Zheng He.

Photo C : Highly distinctive makeup adorns the face of a man who has vowed to use it if his wish is fulfilled by Zheng Ho's spirit.

Photo D : A Muslim tomb tower with Chinese porcelain ornamentation.

Photo E : A group of women perform a dynamic Chinese dance.

Photo F : Surakarta Palace guardians and a horse-drawn cart take part in a procession.

Photo G : A g Gambang Semarang troupe stages a street performance. This type of show is believed to have its roots in Gambang Kromong, originally performed by ethnic Chinese from Jakarta.