Semarang Night Carnival 2026 Joins Kemenpar's KEN with Participants from 28 Countries
Not only in terms of international participation, SNC 2026 also records an important achievement with the inclusion of this agenda in the Kalender Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN) of the Ministry of Tourism. This designation serves as recognition of the quality of the organisation as well as the appeal of SNC as a flagship event capable of driving the tourism and creative economy sectors.
Semarang Mayor Agustina Wilujeng stated that this achievement is the result of collaborative efforts by all elements, from the government, creative communities, to the public.
“The inclusion of SNC in the Kalender Karisma Event Nusantara and the increase in international participation is proof that Semarang is increasingly trusted as a host for world-class events. This is not only a matter of pride but also a responsibility to continue delivering high-quality and impactful organisation,” said Agustina in a written statement on Friday (1/5/2026).
Agustina added that the presence of participants from 28 countries in SNC 2026 becomes an important momentum to strengthen cultural diplomacy while expanding the international network of Semarang City.
“We want SNC not only to be a spectacle but also a space for global collaboration that mobilises the local economy, empowers SME actors, and increases tourist visits to Semarang City,” said Agustina.
SNC has long been known for its spectacular costume parade that highlights local wisdom with a modern touch. With support from its status as part of KEN, the organisation of SNC 2026 is expected to be even more high-quality, professional, and directly impactful on increasing tourist visits.
Agustina is also optimistic that the increase in the number of international participants will provide multiplier effects, from hotel occupancy, SME movements, to city promotion on the global stage.
The parade, which carries the theme ‘Miracle of Recycle’, will be held on Saturday, 2 May 2026. The event will start from Semarang City Hall on Jalan Pemuda at 18.30 WIB. The procession will then pass through the Tugu Muda landmark and Jalan Pandanaran until reaching the finish line at Pancasila Field, Simpang Lima.
“We invite the entire community to come and witness this harmony of creativity along the protocol roads,” said Agustina.
Through SNC 2026, Semarang reaffirms itself as a city that is not only rich in culture but also capable of packaging it into a cultural diplomacy force that proudly represents Indonesia on the world stage.
Meanwhile, traffic diversion arrangements are planned to start at 17.00 WIB with the carnival route from the City Hall area (Jalan Pemuda) to Jalan Pandanaran until Simpang Lima. Several intersection points along that route will experience closures and traffic engineering will be implemented.
Some affected points include main intersections in the Imam Bonjol, Pandanaran corridors, to the Gajahmada area and surroundings, which will undergo traffic flow adjustments to maintain security and smoothness of the event.
In addition to traffic engineering, the Semarang City Government has also prepared several parking pockets for the public, including at the City Hall Parking Building, DP Mall, Mandala Bhakti Museum, to the Simpang Lima area.
Agustina stated that this traffic diversion is part of efforts to provide comfort for the public while supporting the success of the national-scale event.
“We have prepared this traffic engineering to ensure that the SNC 2026 event runs smoothly, safely, and orderly. We urge the public to adjust their travel routes, utilise alternative paths, and follow the directions of officers on the ground,” explained Agustina.
Agustina also added that her side, in this case the Transportation Department along with related stakeholders, will be on standby at various points to carry out arrangements and assist road users during the event.
Agustina invited the entire community to participate in the success of Semarang Night Carnival 2026 by maintaining traffic order and prioritising collective safety.
“With public support, we are optimistic that SNC 2026 can take place festively without significantly disrupting city mobility,” Agustina concluded.