Indonesian Festival returns in Somersworth 'welcoming us with a warm embrace'

Sep 10, 2022

The ninth annual Indonesian Festival returned this weekend, after a two-year coronavirus pandemic hiatus, bringing a celebration to the city and much praise from Indonesian dignitary guests.

Onlookers watched in awe as more than 50 performers from the province of Papua in Indonesia told stories through traditional dances and songs to the beat of drums in front of the Somersworth Plaza. Performers included the award-winning Iyakoko Patea Choir and the Freedom Squad Dancers, who traveled from Indonesia to perform. The performers spent eight days touring and performing in Washington D.C., New York, New Jersey, and New Hampshire before kicking off the Indonesian Festival with multiple acts of song and dance.

The festival attracted thousands of people from the local area, around New England and abroad, according to local Indonesian Community Connect President Raude Raychel. The festival highlighted Indonesia's Papua province by featuring traditional cultural performances, cuisine and handmade products from the area.