Matta Fair September at PWTC Kuala Lumpur (5-7 Sept 2014)

Bandung Anniversary: Bigger, merrier

Bandung celebrated its 204th anniversary on Sept. 25 this year. A series of festive events was held to commemorate the occasion.

Bandung mayor Ridwan Kamil stated previously that the celebration would be spectacular. "The fireworks will be conducted by firework artists from Singapore," the mayor said.

During the D-day of Bandung's anniversary, celebrations took place at the city’s official offices, where citizens dressed in traditional Sundanese clothing to hold traditional games and art performances.

The celebration also made a buzz on social media channels, with thousands of account-holders participating on Twitter, using the hash tag #204thnBdg to express their love for the city.

Public account @mimpiBdg (Bandung's dream) was also established to accommodate citizens’ wishes and dreams for a better Bandung.

The celebration continued last Saturday. It began with a parade of vintage bicycles known as "sepeda onthel", Bandung's Harley Davidsons and a large motorcycle community, as well as the city tour bus, "Bandros".

The parade went from Jl. Gatot Subroto to the Asia Africa Museum on Jl. Asia Afrika.

At night, citizens were gathered around the Dago and Gedung Sate areas.

The Dago area was closed for a nighttime festival, enlivened with live musical performances, including from the Mocca Band and Payung Teduh, which were among the most awaited acts.

At Gasibu field, in front of Bandung's landmark Gedung Sate, people gathered with much anticipation for the fireworks.

People cheered happily in awe when the fireworks show began.

"It was very crowded. Young and old were gathered there to see the fireworks. It was amazing because it really brought people together and everybody seemed to enjoy the night, despite the crowd," Findhika Putra, one of the attendees, said.

Despite the merry celebrations, according to the mayor, the peak celebration will take place later on Oct. 18, with a bigger parade of lantern vehicles and moving stages adorned with decorations.

Resourses : JakartaPostTravel