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SISSCa 2024 Attracts Tourists with Silungkang Songket
WINDONESIA September 21, 2024
A screenshot of the trailer video for SISSCa 2024. (Sawahlunto City Tourism, Youth, and Sports Office)
Sawahlunto, a West Sumatran city rich in history and culture, is once again hosting its most anticipated annual event, the Sawahlunto International Songket Silungkang Carnival (SISSCa) 2024.
SISSCa 2024 takes place on September 6-8, 2024, with the carnival's peak event on Sunday night, Sep. 7, 2024. This 10th edition of the event is ready to present the dazzling brilliance of Silungkang songket under the spotlight of the night lights.
Sawahlunto City Tourism, Youth, and Sports Office Head Adri Yusman revealed on Aug. 28, 2024, that the implementation of SISSCa 2024 has its own special features.
"For the 9th and 10th editions, we deliberately held the carnival at night. The aim is to highlight the brilliance of Silungkang songket, which is even more beautiful with special lighting," he said.
This year's carnival theme, "It's Time for Sawahlunto," was chosen to emphasize that Sawahlunto has great potential that deserves to be brought to the international stage.
"We want to showcase all the advantages of this city, from heritage, culinary, to culture. All will be displayed optimally in SISSCa 2024," Adri added.
The difference in motifs is one of the characteristics that makes Silungkang songket unique compared to songket from other regions, including Pandai Sikek Songket.
On top of a carnival, the series of events for SISSCa 2024 also includes various other interesting activities, such as a creative economy exhibition, culinary showcase, artistic performances by children, entertainment from local artists, and a fashion show featuring models in songket clothes.
Adri also noted that foreign students from Institut Seni Indonesia Padang Panjang takes part in the carnival, wearing Silungkang songket as part of an international promotion effort. From an economic perspective, SISSCa has had a significant positive impact on local micro, small, and medium enterprises, especially songket craftsmen.
"Every time this event is held, our MSME turnover increases, and we hope this year will be the same," he said.
With a total prize of Rp97 million for participants, SISSCa 2024 is expected to attract at least 60 participants from within and outside the city of Sawahlunto.
For visitors interested in attending SISSCa, Adri reminded that the availability of accommodation in Sawahlunto may be limited due to high demand during the event.
"Experience from previous years, all hotels, inns, and homestays are always full during this event. We recommend booking now through the available travel applications," he appealed.
With SISSCa's inclusion as part of the Indonesia's Karisma Event Nusantara, Sawahlunto is ready to make its mark on the international scene, while introducing the beauty and richness of local culture that is second to none.
Source: www.rri.co.id