LABUAN BAJO, July 21, 2026 – The Golo Koe Maria Assumpta Nusantara Festival 2026 returns as a tangible sign of the harmonious community life in Labuan Bajo. Now in its fifth year, the event is not only a religious event but also a grand stage that brings together multi-ethnic and interfaith communities in a spirit of inclusive brotherhood.
Embracing the spirit of “Communal Pilgrimage,” the Golo Koe Festival 2026 is designed as a meeting space that embraces diversity. The festival committee was developed collaboratively, involving local government, inter-ethnic associations, and religious leaders. The presence of these diverse communities reflects the hope of the Labuan Bajo Diocese and the West Manggarai Regency Government to make this region a tolerant and peaceful “Shared Home.”
One of the main missions of this annual festival is to serve as a bridge for young people and tourists to learn more about the richness of Manggarai traditions. Given the difficulty of accessing traditional villages during traditional ceremonies, the Golo Koe Festival brings the essence of this culture to downtown Labuan Bajo through several events. First, a Caci Performance by Students. As an effort to pass on values, Caci performances will be performed by schoolchildren and young people to ensure this tradition remains alive for future generations.
Second, Manggarai cultural theater. It showcases fragments of local life and noble values in a performing art form that appeals to both domestic and international tourists. The Caci dance and Manggarai cultural theater are scheduled for the fourth day, August 13th.
Fourth, a cultural carnival and Nusantara arts performances. The Golo Koe Festival provides a space for various art studios and associations to showcase their cultural identities, creating a holistic “cultural pilgrimage.” The cultural carnival will be held on August 12th, involving various ethnic groups, from students to civil servants, as well as the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri). Meanwhile, Nusantara arts performances will fill the main stage at Water Front City Marina Labuan Bajo every night during the festival’s peak week, August 10–15, 2026.
Cultural Access for Tourists at this festival is centered at Labuan Bajo’s Waterfront City Marina. This festival offers tourists the convenience of experiencing authentic culture without having to travel far to remote areas. “This festival aims to root and grow tourism in local wisdom and spirituality,” as stated in the event’s vision.
With a target of 50,000 visitors, the festival, which is included in the Top 10 Kharisma Event Nusantara (KEN) list, is expected to stimulate the creative economy through MSME exhibitions, while strengthening Labuan Bajo’s identity as a destination that is not only naturally beautiful, but also rich in human and cultural harmony.
Contact Person: Heribertus Ratu (0813984619570),
Publication and Promotion Section, Golo Koe Festival 2026 Committee.
Website: festivalgolokoe.com
