Java: Events

The Ramayana Ballet , Java's most spectacular dance drama, is performed at the outdoor theatre at the Prambanan temple complex near Yogya on four successive nights twice a month from May to September. (Over the same period, a one-night, full-story version is also held every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday). The month long Jakarta Fair in June-July includes carnival attractions and cultural events in celebration of Jakarta's founding on 22 June. Parades are held in every town and village on 17 August to celebrate Independence Day . The island of Madura, just off Java's northeastern coast, stages its famous bull races in August and September. The races culminate in the final race at Pamekasan, usually in September.

One festival worth looking out for is the Buddhist Vaicak at Borobudur, which celebrates the enlightenment of Buddha; it's held once a year over the full moon in May or June. Thousands of pilgrims gather to offer prayers and join the procession from the nearby Mendut temple to Borobudur. The 4 day Borobudur Festival is held at the same time and includes dance and music performances and arts and crafts exhibits.