Don’t get shocked when people in Jembrana bring their buffalos to the rice field. It can be because they are about to celebrate a traditional event known as the Makepung Race.
It is a good opportunity for you to enjoy this unique race while spending time in Jembrana. The information below will make you more curious and want to watch Makepung Race.
The History of Makepung Race
People in Jembrana have held the Makepung Race for so many years. It started when the farmers wanted to create a cheerful and happy atmosphere while working in the rice field. Soon, they got the idea to create a race using their carts.
The farmers in Jembrana even set the rules before starting this race. Each farmer must prepare their carts with a pair of buffalo and fill it with the harvested rice. The route of the buffalo race is only along the rice field.
Surprisingly, not only the farmers enjoy this race but also the people who see it. Since then, people in Jembrana have celebrated harvest time by holding the Makepung Race. The first Makepung Race was held in Buluk Village in the 1920s.
The Time to Hold Makepung Race and Participants Who Can Join It
Due to the history of the Makepung Race, people in Jembrana make this race a regular event. They will prepare for this special race during harvest time. Farmers are about to announce the Pakepungan area or the race area.
People who want to participate in this race must bring their best buffalo to the race area based on the race date. Interestingly, the participants of this race are not only from the nearest villages or neighborhoods but also two big groups.
The Properties Participants Must Wear Before Joining Makepung Race
Makepung Race participants should wear specific costumes before joining the race. They even must dress their buffalo up to join this race. In this case, a participant or the jockey of the buffalo must wear a traditional Balinese cloth known as Tapis.
They also must wear a crown with a Batik pattern, long pants, and a Jembrana’s traditional sword known as Sempak Kolong. On the other hand, the buffaloes look so beautiful with a traditional ornament on their heads.
The buffaloes also wear a pair of colorful horn sheaths. The carts also look more attractive since the owners paint them with bright colors.
The Cultural Meaning of Makepung Race
Makepung Race is not an ordinary race. In Jembrana, the Makepung Race has become a cultural tradition that is held regularly. From the attributes they use in this race, the Makepung Race also has a cultural meaning.
For example, the participants or even the buffaloes wear traditional Balinese costumes. It means that local people want to introduce their traditional uniforms or costumes to others, including foreign tourists.
This race also shows the unity of the local people, especially people who live in Jembrana. They want to make everyone happy by holding a race. It is also the way they gratitude to the gods who gave them great harvests every year.
Makepung Race Has become a Prestige Event in Jembrana
Makepung Race has become one of the prestigious events in Jembrana. It was started when the local government held a big event known as the Makepung Bupati Cup in 2023. It was the first official Makepung Race that was held in the All-in-One circuit at Pengambengan.
The atmosphere of the race was different compared to the regular race since the winner got a prestigious trophy. We can say that it looks like watching an international horse race championship.
The Place to See Makepung Race
Just go to a place known as All-in-One Circuit at Pengambengan, Jembrana, Bali to see Makepung Race. Nowadays, it has become an official Makepung Race circuit in Jembrana.
Check the latest information about the Makepung Race and go there based on the race schedule. Watching the Makepung Race live from the circuit will give you a fantastic experience. You even can capture great videos or photos to share with others through your social media accounts.
Recommended Place to Go Before or After Enjoying Makepung Race
You may still have time in Bali before and after enjoying the Makepung Race. If so, just go to our restaurant known as Shrida Taste of Ubud Restaurant. It is a great way to spend your time in Bali before or after watching the Makepung Race.
You will get the authentic Balinese ambiance once you enter the restaurant. The authentic Balinese ambiance is not only on the interior of the restaurant but also on the menu and staff uniform. Soon, you will understand why people want to go to Bali over again after their first visit. Indeed, you will also get a valuable experience to share with others after enjoying Makepung Race, eating at Shrida Taste of Ubud Restaurant, and exploring destinations in Bali. Check the complete information about our restaurant, menu, and steps to book a table on www.shridaubud.com.
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*if you book via the website