Yogyakarta observes all of Indonesia’s national festivals as well as a few which are unique to the city. The Yogyakarta Arts Festival is perhaps the highlight of the calendar, while the Kraton and Yogyakarta Gamelan festivals are also popular, attracting large numbers of residents and visitors. Aside from these festivities, celebrations are normally religious orientated, catering to the city’s Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu populations.

Idul Adha: Yogyakarta’s Muslim population celebrate this well-known Islamic festival, which remembers Prophet Ibrahim’s test by God in which he was asked to sacrifice his own son.

Imlek: citizens of Chinese origin celebrate Chinese New Year in what is one of the most significant events in the Chinese community’s calendar. Traditional dragon and lion dances are performed and locals enjoy festive food and drink. Chinese-run businesses may close for three days to a week during this period.

Islamic New Year: members of the Muslim community enjoy this celebration, in which the principle theme is the commemoration of the time when the Prophet Muhammad left Mecca in order to establish a new city in Medina.

Nyepi: celebrated by members of the Hindu community, this festival is considered the beginning of the new year and is traditionally a time for meditation. These days, few take the old sentiments of the festival literally. However, silence is observed by many and some shops close. Visitors should keep their own activity to a minimum and maintain a low, quiet presence when on the city’s streets.

Maulid Nabi: Muslims in Yogyakarta celebrate Prophet Muhammad’s birthday with this important Islamic festival.

Vesak Day: Yogyakarta’s Buddhist community observes this important festival, which celebrates the enlightenment of the Buddha. The Borobodur Temple is generally the venue for the city’s biggest celebrations, which include religious rites, singing and processions.

Yogyakarta Arts Festival: the highlight of the city’s calendar is a vibrant affair which sees a variety of cultural activities including live music, traditional dance and puppet shows. Events are held at various venues around the city.

Yogyakarta Gamelan Festival: the unusual musical ensemble and style known as gamelan is incredibly popular in Yogyakarta, hence the city is host to this annual festival in which gamelan artists from across the country come to showcase their talent.

Cellsbutton: 2007 saw the first of what is set to be a yearly media art festival. The aim of the festival is to bring new perspectives of art and technology and their fusions to the people of Yogyakarta.

National Day: the citizens of Yogyakarta join with the rest of the country in celebrating the day on which Sukarno declared independence. The 17th of the month is a public holiday and a day on which locals enjoy street parades, live music, dance performances and firework displays.

Isra Mi’raj: the ascension of Muhammad is celebrated by members of Yogyakarta’s Muslim community.

Ramadan: this is one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar and when Yogyakarta’s Muslim community observe fasting and abstinence. The festival lasts for a month and many shops close or operate restricted opening hours during this time.

Kraton Festival: this popular annual event is organised by Yogyakarta palace and Puro Pakualaman, and is a cultural celebration which includes performance art and live music among other activities.

Idul Fitri: known as Eid ul Fitr in other countries, this Islamic festival comes hot on the heels of Ramadan and is a chance for Muslims to kick back a little after a month of abstinence. The atmosphere in Yogyakarta is festive as locals wear their best clothes and get together with friends and family for feasting and fun.

Gerebeg Syawal Ceremony: this vibrant and colourful celebration sees a parade in which members of the Palace Guards march in ceremonial clothing alongside a variety of colourful floats.

Christmas: although Yogyakarta’s Christian community is small, Christmas is acknowledged by the locals with festive decorations, Christmas songs and a public holiday.