This year, Polewali Mandar International Folk and Arts Festival was back again for the third time from 1st to 6th of August 2018. There were six participating countries include Mexico, Poland, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, Croatia, and Latvia. Just like last year, the Opening Ceremony was held at H.S. Mengga Stadium Sport Center with parade by the participating countries, and also local groups that were also taking part in the festival. The festival was attended by lines of VIPs, include, the Governor of West Sulawesi, Ali Baal Masdar, Police Chief of West Sulawesi, Brigadier General Baharudin Djafar, Representative of Tourism Office, Aprida Pelitasari, Regent of Polewali Mandar, H. Andi Ibrahim Masdar, and more.



All delegates was Traditional Sulawesi food was served during the welcoming dinner, which the delegates commented on positively. One of the participant from Mexico said that he really liked the food because it was very flavourful and spicy, just like Mexican food. During the dinner, the Regent also sang several songs, and for the surprise, the Croatian delegates sang Lita’ Pembolongan song from Mandar. The dinner was ended with poco-poco dance together with the participants.

For the daily program, the first three days always started with workshops at schools and universities. There were two venues of workshop each day, so the participating countries were divided into groups of three for each school. All of the students participating in the workshop were enthusiastic and very happy to learn about new culture and tradition. The highlight of each workshop was when the students got the chance to try dancing together with the delegates. Learning and interacting with the delegates was a rare chance for the students, and they made sure to make the most of the opportunity.





Performances were done everyday at the main stage, and also in some regions for street performances. This time, the street performances were held in three districts which were Campalagian, Binuang, and Majene, and also at the main square of Polewali Mandar. Each of the performances always received positive attention from the audience, and the people were very appreciative.




For recreational time, the participants got the opportunity to visit Palippis beach. They were introduced with traditional games and had a little competition between participating countries to won a prize. Apart from traditional games, they also enjoyed the beach, taking photos, sunbathing, and also swimming. To give the participants the feel of Polewali Mandar tradition and custom, the committee gave sarong to the female delegates to cover up their swimming suit.




On the last day, the delegates went to Lapeo beach for the releasing of baby turtles and planting mangrove trees. The unique activity left a great impression from the delegates, some of them mentioned that releasing the baby turtles was their favorite part of the program. The closing ceremony was first started with performances by all of the participating countries and some local groups. By the end of the event, the Regent of Polewali Mandar gave a speech recapping the moments during the event, appreciation towards the participating countries, and hoped that the delegates would come back someday in the future to visit Polewali Mandar.


Written by : Gayatri Larasati
Editted & Published by : Ghina Aulia Megaputri