Cause for Celebration
The birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated in all corners of the country. But in eastern Indonesia, where most of the country’s 18 million Christians reside, the variety of festivities in different parts of the region hold very special meaning. In certain areas, the celebration begins with a joyful mass or family prayers, followed by social activities topped with bright fireworks. At such occasions, special food is served and guests are entertained by traditional dances to the sounds of drums and tambourines. A Tempo English Edition special report from a number of areas in eastern Indonesia.
January 5, 2011
AMID the sparkles of firecrackers enlivening the evening, Alex Lolok Allo remarked joyfully: “This year’s Christmas is more cheerful.” The citizen of Makale, Tana Toraja, was considerably elated.
A rejoicing atmosphere also pervaded all corners of Tana Toraja, which was beautifully face-lifted. This region was the location of 2010’s national celebration of Christmas.
On the evening of December 24, around 3,000 Catholics gathered in t
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