“The festival features a lot of artistic and cultural values. In Gorontalo, there are many ethnic groups that have assimilated and lived side by side,” he said.
“The fusion of cultures makes Gorontalo diverse by valuing the traditional philosophy based on ancestral customs and kitabullah,” added Hamka.
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The festival will last through August 6. It is participated in by 22 contingents from Gorontalo, North Sulawesi and Central Sulawesi.
“The festival also features various competitions such as Islamic music, shalawat Jowo reciting and singing, and speeches in Jaton,” explained Hamka. (un)