BEC 2025 presents Putri Indonesia 2025, Ngelukat parade

The 2025 Banyuwangi Ethno Carnival (BEC) was held again with splendor and creativity on July 12, 2025. The cultural fashion parade showcased spectacular costumes and provided a stage for Banyuwangi Regency's youth to express their best works.

The parade opened with a special performance by Putri Indonesia 2025 Firsta Yufi Amarta Putri, who recently won the Miss Supranational Asia & Oceania 2025 title in Poland. Firsta appeared gracefully in a dress designed by Banyuwangi Regency designer Deny Arthara which has "Women's Burning Spirit" as its theme, which symbolizes the heroism of Banyuwangi women.

Hundreds of Gandrung dancers and dance dramas were then presented a series of attractions with "Ngelukat" as their theme, an Osing Tribe tradition depicting the stages of human life from cradle to grave. Various costumes were on display, with the themes ranging from "Selapan" for a pregnancy reaching its seventh month, "Mudun Lemah" for the tradition that involves a baby in their eighth month touching the ground for the ceremonial first time, circumcision for young boys, to marriage.

"Each of these traditions connects humans with God, nature, and ancestors. Ngelukat is not just a ritual, but a cultural knot that unites life," stated Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani on July 12, 2025.

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa, who opened the event, expressed her appreciation to the Banyuwangi Regency Government and all residents for consistently promoting local culture.

"BEC is not just a cultural strength of Banyuwangi, but also a strength of East Java and Indonesia. Thank you to all creative team members who presented extraordinary works," said Khofifah.

The parade, which began from Blambangan Park to the Banyuwangi Regent's Office, spanned 2.5 kilometers (km) and was attended by participants of all ages. Several foreign tourists also joined in the fun. One of them was Diego Manuel, a tourist from Peru, who enthusiastically traversed the parade catwalk wearing an Osing wedding attire.

"I'm so happy to be participating in this parade. The Banyuwangi ethnic costumes are beautiful. It's like the Rio de Janeiro carnival," he enthused.

BEC 2025 was included in Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN) calendar of cultural festivals curated by the Tourism Ministry for four consecutive years, with the festival making it into the top 10 for KEN 2024.