Enthusiasm Thousands of people came to Bantarangin Monument area in Kauman District. This was after hundreds of Reog Ponorogo artists held a mass performance at one of the cultural objects in the Ponorogo Regency, Saturday (13/05/2023).
At least 870 Reog artists attended the halal bihalal activity and the grand reunion of the Reog Ponorogi artists. With details, 200 Jathil Obyok artists, 200 Bujang Ganong, 350 pembarong, 40 rampak dancers, and 80 trumpets.
Not only thousands of residents who want to witness the mass attractions of the Reog artists. However, this event takes advantage of local small business actors who participate in selling local products and their handicrafts. Among them, sellers of Reog Ponorogo t-shirts and accessories, as well as a number of other local foods.
Reog Ponorogo artist figure Hadi Purnomo or who is often known as Mbah Pur said, apart from being a gathering place for Reog artists after Idhul Fitri Day. This activity is also a free show for the people of Ponorogo.
“This activity is a form of concern for the existence of the Reog Ponorogo performing arts culture. In addition to entertaining residents, it is also an education from an early age to foster the love of the younger generation for Reog Ponorogo,” he said.
The enthusiasm of the younger generation who attended this activity was quite large, apart from being directly involved as Reog artists, the children aged 3 to 12 who attended seemed to be good at following the dance movements of the artists.
“This is proof that Reog Ponorogo’s regeneration is running and taking root in the midst of society,” he said.
Ponorogo Regent Sugiri Sancoko admitted that the support and support from the local government continues to be given to the Reog Ponorogo artists. Not only providing a place to perform, the local government also supports the activity materially.
“We hope that Reog will continue to be grounded in Ponorogo, Archipelago to International. This is our serious effort in fighting for Reog as one of Unseco’s intangible cultural heritages,” he concluded. adv/man
