As the capital city of Papua Province, there are many things that you can do in Jayapura for vacation. Starting from nature tourism, religious tourism, culinary tourism, and also cultural tourism. In fact, you can also experience it all at once. All you need to do is to visit the Tanah Merah Bay Nautical Festival.
The nautical festival of Tanah Merah Bay is a maritime festival that you can find in the coastal area. There are several villages included in it. Starting from Demta, Yokari, Depapre, Ravenirara, West Sentani Moi, etc. It is probably one of the cultural festivals in Papua which carries the theme of unity.
The Jayapura Coastal Community Cultural Performance
As one of the cultural attractions in Papua, the nautical festival of Tanah Merah Bay will show you various types of cultural performances. From traditional dance like the Lemonnipis Dance to musical and theater. There are also many villagers that showcase vocal groups.
Usually, this festival will open with the beat of the tifa, a traditional musical instrument of Papua. After that, there will be a colossal performance of Anak Laut Dance. Then, there will be a cultural performance after that.
The performance obviously came from the people in the villages around Tanah Merah Bay. Each village that participates in this festival will showcase their own art and culture. For sure, everything will look unique and also interesting. Moreover, for those of you who like culture and art.
They are united, regardless of which tribe they come from. The aim is to introduce the culture and traditions of the coastal areas of Jayapura. Especially to improve the economy and tourism in the Tanah Merah Bay area. This festival has been going on since 2015 and is planned to be held annually.
Interesting Race and Competition
Aside from meeting the native tribes of Papua and watching their cultural performance, you could also watch an interesting race and competition. One of the most unique competitions that you can see at this festival is underwater photography. You can only find this kind of competition at the nautical festival.
Besides, there are many other races. For example, traditional weaving and rowing races. Then, for the children, there is also a running competition. There are also diving and fishing, a competition that you can only find at a nautical festival.
Exhibition Show
One of the most anticipated events at the nautical festival of Tanah Merah Bay is the exhibition show. There are many things you can see in this exhibition. From culinary exhibitions, and underwater photo exhibitions, to art exhibitions. You can also find various types of handicrafts from the local community.
You can also buy many things at this exhibition. Be it for filling your stomach or to bringing home various souvenirs from the festival. Most of the food that is available is traditional foods of Papua. For example, Papeda, is the most popular dish originating from the land of Papua.
So, apart from experiencing cultural tourism, you can also experience culinary tourism.
Commemoration of the Evangelism in the Land of Papua
The nautical festival of Tanah Merah Bay is usually held for three days. On the third day, there will be a celebration of worship for Christians. This is to commemorate the entry of the Gospel into the land of Papua. Because this is the starting point where evangelism begins in the Tanah Merah area.
Historical Tour in the Tanah Merah Bay
Last but not least, You can also do a historical tour of Tanah Merah while visiting this festival. This is because the Tanah Merah Bay area does have many historical sites. The shipwreck, for example.So, it is obvious that you can find everything at the Tanah Merah Bay Nautical Festival. Starting from cultural tourism, culinary tourism, religious tourism, and even historical tourism. It is probably one of the best festivals that you can attend while visiting Jayapura, Papua Province.
