Semawis Chinese New Year Market returns to Semarang Chinatown

The Semarang Chinatown community held the Semawis Chinese New Year Market tradition in 2026 as an inclusive cultural celebration and a catalyst for the local economy. Thousands of people from various ethnicities crowded Semarang's Chinatown area on Feb. 14, 2026, for the annual celebration.

Semarang Chinatown Community for Tourism (Kopi Semawis) Head Harjanto Halim explained that the Semawis Chinese New Year Market originated from the Chinese community's night shopping tradition ahead of Chinese New Year.

"Previously, the tradition was just one night where Chinese people shopped until the evening. Then, it became a three-day celebration in the form of the Semawis Chinese New Year Market," he said.

The market, which stretches from Gang Pinggir to Wotgandul Timur Road, offers a variety of culinary delights, products from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Chinese New Year souvenirs, cultural performances, and social activities.

This year, the Semawis Chinese New Year Market also featured mythological figures such as Sun Go Kong and the Goddess Kwan Im alongside Javanese wayang characters as a symbol of acculturation.

The celebration was also attended by Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka and Central Java Governor Com. Gen. (Ret.) Ahmad Luthfi.

Harjanto said the Semawis Chinese New Year Market is both a cultural celebration and a testament to the openness of Chinatown to everyone. He cited the success of cross-ethnic merchants in the area as an example of long-standing social harmony.

Meanwhile, Governor Luthfi emphasized the Central Java Provincial Government's support for various cultural events, including Chinese New Year celebrations at several locations, such as the Sam Poo Kong Temple.

He believes that cultural activities like the Semawis Chinese New Year Market strengthens tolerance between communities as well as positively impact the tourism sector and the regional economy.