Zheng's expedition feted in Semarang

Zheng's expedition feted in Semarang

SEMARANG, Central Java: Commemorating the 600th anniversary of
the journey of Chinese Admiral Zheng He (Cheng Ho, as he is known
locally) to Semarang, a week-long festival is to be held here
from Aug. 1 to Aug. 7.

Chairman of the organizing committee Sindu Dharmali said the
festival would be held concurrently at three different venues:
the Sam Poo Kong Temple, which he is said to have built, the Tay
Kak Sie Temple and the Central Java Trade and Promotion
Fairground (PRPP) on Marina Beach.

Various programs ranging from cultural performances and talks
to business activities have been prepared for the event.

These include a Chinese acrobat show, shadow puppet
performance, decorative lamp festival, lion dance Barongsai
competition, photo exhibition of Cheng Ho's world expedition,
international bonsai contest, a trade fair, and the lighting of a
six-meter candle, which is expected to be participated in by
hundreds of monks from Indonesia, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia and
Singapore.

Business communities from the same countries, according to
Dharmali, will also participate in the trade fair, which is to be
held at PRPP.

"This is an incredible moment that is not just important for
the tourism industry and future investment in the province but is
also good for the local economy. That's why we are trying our
best to involve as many parties as possible," Dharmali said.

One of the most awaited, festive, and colossal events,
however, is probably the scheduled six-hour Sam Poo Parade on
August 4. Starting at 5 a.m., the parade will take two different
routes from the Tay Kak Sie Temple to the Sam Poo Kong Temple and
back again to the Tay Kak Sie Temple.

The rally will be held to parade the statue of Cheng Ho along
Semarang's main streets, and is expected to attract thousands of
Chinese descent in the region. -- JP