PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Thousands of residents crowded the Gedung Sate area along Jalan Diponegoro, Bandung City, Saturday (16/5/2026) evening to watch the Tatar Sunda Milangkala Parade which was lively and full of cultural nuances.

Since the afternoon, people began arriving to take their best positions along the parade route. The enthusiasm grew even more palpable as cultural groups passed by, bringing various traditional arts from West Java's 27 regencies and cities.

The cultural procession covered a 3.5 kilometer route, starting from Kiara Artha Park, crossing Jalan Jakarta and Jalan Supratman, and ending at Gedung Sate.

A variety of traditional arts performances, regional music, and performances by female singers (sinden) captivated the crowds who packed the parade area. Bandung transformed into an open-air cultural stage filled with the spirit of preserving Sundanese traditions.

Melly Susilawati (40), a resident of Antapani, admitted that she was willing to come since the afternoon with her family to witness the cultural procession first hand.

"I came on purpose at 2:30 in the afternoon. I wanted to see Kang Dedi and his carriage in person," said Melly.

According to him, cultural activities such as the Kirab Milangkala Tatar Sunda are entertainment as well as a means of introducing Sundanese culture to the younger generation and the wider community.

However, he hopes that future events will be held in a more orderly manner, given the high level of enthusiasm shown by the residents who attended.

"Hopefully, there will be more next year, but it will be more organized so that residents will be more comfortable," he said.

Andri Aji (29), a resident of Buahbatu who came with his wife and children to enjoy the atmosphere of the cultural procession in the Elderly Park area, said the same thing.

He admitted to being entertained by the excitement of the procession and the traditional arts performances that passed in front of the residents.

"The most interesting thing was watching the singers and the cultural procession. Bandung felt even more alive tonight," he said.

The Tatar Sunda Milangkala Parade is not only a cultural celebration but also a space for the people of West Java to come together to preserve and celebrate Sundanese traditional heritage amidst the vibrant atmosphere of Bandung. (Bandung City Communications and Information Office/rka)