Indonesia’s sacred Semana Santa in Larantuka draws 30,000 pilgrims to venerate centuries-old Mary and Jesus statues in a revered Holy Week tradition.
Newsroom (02/04/2026 Gaudium Press ) The small coastal town of Larantuka in East Nusa Tenggara is preparing to welcome an estimated 30,000 Catholic pilgrims for this year’s Semana Santa, the country’s most renowned Holy Week celebration. The annual event, rooted in Portuguese missionary heritage from the 15th century, transforms the quiet fishing town into Indonesia’s spiritual center for Holy Week observances.
Father Ansel Liwun, chairman of the organizing committee, confirmed that more than 2,200 people have already registered online. “We expect that number to double by Good Friday,” he said, as travelers continue to arrive by boat, bus, and plane from across the archipelago. Local authorities, led by East Flores Regent Antonius Doni Dihen, anticipate that the overall turnout—counting residents from nearby districts—will reach around 30,000 participants.
Centuries-Old Portuguese Influence
Semana Santa, meaning “Holy Week” in Portuguese, began in Larantuka more than five centuries ago when Portuguese missionaries brought Catholic traditions to the island of Flores. What began as a local devotion has grown into a major religious and cultural event that now holds national recognition as part of Indonesia’s intangible cultural heritage.
At the heart of the celebration is a rare opportunity for pilgrims to venerate three sacred, centuries-old statues: Our Lady of Sorrows, the Child Jesus, and the Risen Christ. These statues, kept year-round in three separate chapels, are publicly displayed only once every year during Holy Week.
Rituals of Faith and Community
The Semana Santa rituals commence on Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday) with the opening of the chapels, each ceremony led by members of the Confraternity—a traditional lay brotherhood dating back to Portuguese times. Local Catholic Elkelvin Wuran described the atmosphere as deeply moving. “Hundreds of faithful line up to perform cium tuan—a kiss of veneration to the statue of the Virgin Mary,” he said. “It’s an act of devotion that connects generations.”
On Good Friday, the festival reaches its dramatic peak. In a poignant maritime procession, the statue of Baby Jesus is carried by boat across the waters of the Savu Sea to meet the Blessed Mother in her chapel. Hundreds of pilgrims accompany the statue by sea, their boats forming a solemn flotilla illuminated by candlelight and prayer.
The Role of the Larantuka Kingdom
Adding to the ceremony’s distinctive character, the royal family of the historical Larantuka Kingdom continues to serve as spiritual and cultural stewards of the celebration. This year, King Don Andreas Martinus led the opening of the chapels, preserving a ritual passed down through generations. In this context, the king is viewed not just as a royal figure, but as the custodian of a sacred legacy that binds faith, history, and community.
Modern Logistics for Ancient Traditions
The influx of visitors has prompted logistical preparations on an unprecedented scale. Ardhani Friandy, a senior official with Indonesia’s largest ferry service, confirmed that the company added two additional ferries to handle the surge of passengers from Kupang, the provincial capital. In addition, local police forces have deployed security teams throughout Larantuka to ensure the smooth running of the festivities.
Despite the modern coordination behind the scenes, the soul of Semana Santa remains unchanged. It is a moment when faith, community, and heritage converge—where pilgrims travel great distances to offer a simple act of devotion: a kiss, a prayer, and a shared belief in traditions that have endured for centuries.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from UCA News
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