BPOLBF launches series of Flores religious tourism events for 2026

Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) - The 2026 Golo Curu Maria Ratu Rosari Festival was launched in Ruteng, East Nusa Tenggara, opening a series of religious tourism events on Flores aimed at promoting culture, local businesses and sustainable tourism.

Acting Labuan Bajo Flores Authority (BPOLBF) Director Andhy MT Marpaung said on Monday the launch marked the start of festival activities leading to the main event on Oct. 2-7, 2026.

"The Golo Curu Festival shows how faith, culture and local wisdom can become the foundation of tourism development," he said.

The festival demonstrates tourism's role in preserving culture and the environment while strengthening local identity and supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and the creative economy, he added.

The Golo Curu Maria Ratu Rosari Festival is one of three East Nusa Tenggara events selected for the Tourism Ministry's 2026 Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN) program.

The other two are the Lamaholot Festival in Lembata and the Golo Koe Maria Assumpta Nusantara Festival in West Manggarai, both ranked among the Top 10 events in the 2026 KEN.

Festival committee chairman Theodosius Yosefus Nono said the event reflects the Ruteng Diocese's commitment to pastoral outreach through religious, cultural and environmental activities.

"The festival highlights Golo Curu's religious, cultural and ecological heritage as a gift to the Manggarai community," Nono said.

Ahead of the main festival, parishes in the southern Ruteng Vicariate will hold a pilgrimage to the Statue of Mary, Queen of the Rosary, from Sept. 16-30, 2026.

The main festival will run from Oct. 2-7, 2026, under the theme, "Pilgrimage with the Virgin Mary in Hope: Weaving Faith, Building Brotherhood, Igniting Mission and Nurturing Life."

The festival will feature religious celebrations, cultural performances, environmental education and exhibitions promoting MSMEs and the creative economy.

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Translator: Kornelis Kaha, Resinta Sulistiyandari

Editor: Rahmad Nasution

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