Marawis, a Betawi Celebration
An inseparable part of ceremonies celebrating circumcision rituals, marriages or the observation of Prophet Muhammad's birthday, Marawis is a traditional music performance unique to the Betawi people, the ethnic group indigenous to Jakarta. Its charm lies in a blend of sophisticated rhythm and a very simple melody.
December 10, 2002
It's always drizzling
Fish has been salted
Romlah is always crying
And I'm to wed this month of Syawal(A Betawi traditional verse)
The monetary crisis seems a distance away. Tall, arched poles with hanging yellow woven palm leaves, signs of a celebration nearby, spring up everywhere. They can be seen at entrances to narrow alleys in Jakarta, at crossroads crowded by motorcycle taxi riders, or next to faded and dusty banners calling for peo
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