West Sumatra's Hidden Gem: The Spectacle of Tabuik in Pariaman

TheIndonesia.co - West Sumatra may be best known for its dramatic landscapes, spicy cuisine, and the Minangkabau people’s matrilineal culture—but tucked along its west coast is a lesser-known treasure that leaves visitors awe-struck each year: the cultural celebration of Hoyak Tabuik Piaman in Pariaman.

For those seeking travel with soul, heritage, and a burst of pageantry, this coastal city offers a unique invitation to experience an age-old ritual that brings together religion, history, artistry, and community.

A Festival of Faith and Unity

Each year, tens of thousands gather in the seaside town of Pariaman to witness Tabuik Dibuang ke Laut—the culminating ritual of the Hoyak Tabuik celebration. In 2025, more than 200,000 visitors flooded the city for the festival’s peak on July 6th, transforming Pariaman into a vibrant cultural hub.

The festival centers around the ceremonial disposal of two towering effigies called Tabuik into the sea. These effigies—elaborately crafted with wooden frames, horse-shaped sculptures, wings, and symbolic elements—represent Buraq, the mythical creature that carried the soul of Imam Hussein to heaven after the Battle of Karbala.

There are two major factions in Pariaman that create their own Tabuik: Tabuik Pasa (from the city centre) and Tabuik Subarang (from across the river). In a dramatic finale, the two structures are paraded through the city to the shores, where they are flung into the ocean as a symbol of releasing sorrow and restoring peace.

From Sacred Ritual to National Spectacle

Although the event has taken on a spectacular, almost carnival-like atmosphere, its roots trace back to deep Islamic mourning traditions. First introduced in the early 19th century by Shia Muslim immigrants from India and Persia, the ceremony has since evolved into a rich cultural performance with universal appeal—drawing not only locals but also domestic and international tourists.

Pariaman’s Tabuik celebration is now seen as more than just a cultural oddity. It is a living heritage. So much so, that in 2025, Indonesia’s newly appointed Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, attended the peak event—becoming the first cultural minister to do so. His presence signaled the national government’s growing recognition of the festival’s cultural significance.

A Step Toward UNESCO Recognition

According to Antara News Agency, Minister Fadli Zon, speaking on the shores of Pariaman, expressed his commitment to formally studying the Hoyak Tabuik tradition with the aim of proposing it to UNESCO as an item of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

“This is not merely a performance. It is a tradition with over 200 years of history, and one that deserves a place among the world's recognized cultural treasures,” said Fadli Zon. “If Tabuik is found in other countries, a joint application may be possible. But Indonesia will champion its unique form here in Pariaman.”

The minister’s interest in Tabuik aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to promote and safeguard Indonesia’s vast cultural wealth. Under Prabowo’s administration, a separate Ministry of Culture was created to ensure that Indonesia’s heritage, both ancient and contemporary, is protected and celebrated.

More Than a Festival—A Cultural Bridge

What makes Tabuik truly special is not only its religious origins or the visual splendor of the effigies, but its role as a cultural bridge between ranah (the homeland) and rantau (the diaspora).

Many Minangkabau people live outside of West Sumatra, spread across Indonesia and beyond. Yet each year, Tabuik serves as a magnet that draws them back home. The festival becomes a time for reunion, reflection, and reinvigoration of identity.

“This is not just a tradition; it is a thread that connects generations,” said West Sumatra’s Vice Governor Vasko Ruseimy. “Tabuik brings people back to their roots. That’s what makes it a powerful cultural force.”

The event, he added, also significantly boosts the local economy—hospitality, food stalls, transportation, and local artisans all benefit from the influx of visitors.

A Living Museum of Minangkabau Culture

In recognition of the festival’s heritage value, Minister Fadli Zon also inaugurated the Rumah Tabuik Pasa—a cultural museum dedicated to preserving the history and artistry of the Tabuik tradition. This new museum stands as a permanent testament to Pariaman’s role in Indonesia’s cultural landscape.

According to Pariaman’s Mayor, Yota Balad, the Tabuik festival has come a long way from its early beginnings as a religious ceremony. “It began as a solemn, spiritual practice,” he explained. “Now it’s an expression of art, culture, and tourism—one that we proudly pass down from generation to generation.”

He hopes that the festival will soon be recognized nationally as part of Kharisma Event Nusantara—a curated list of Indonesia’s premier cultural tourism events.

Why You Should Visit Pariaman

For travellers looking for a destination that feels both off-the-beaten-path and profoundly authentic, Pariaman is a gem waiting to be discovered. Nestled between verdant hills and the Indian Ocean, the city offers more than just Tabuik.

Outside of festival season, visitors can enjoy:

• Gondariah Beach – With clean sands and colourful fishing boats, this beach is a perfect spot for sunset lovers.
• Culinary Delights – Don’t miss local dishes like sate pariaman, spicy gulai ikan, and refreshing es tebak.
• Cultural Encounters – Visit nearby villages to witness Minangkabau architecture and traditions.
• Snorkeling & Island-Hopping – The small islands off the coast, like Pulau Angso Duo, offer snorkeling, swimming, and day-trips.

The city is easily accessible by train from Padang, the provincial capital, making it an easy and scenic trip for those exploring West Sumatra.

West Sumatra’s Broader Appeal

While Tabuik is a highlight, it’s just one of many reasons to explore West Sumatra. This province is rich in natural beauty, from the otherworldly Lake Maninjau and Lake Singkarak to the majestic Harau Valley and the peaks of Mount Marapi and Mount Singgalang. The capital city of Padang offers a dynamic mix of colonial charm, street food, and ocean views.

West Sumatra is also known for its unique matrilineal society, where property and family names are passed down through women—a rarity in the global Muslim world. Visitors often find themselves fascinated by the blend of devout Islamic practice and local adat (customary law), creating a society that is both traditional and progressive.

A Journey Worth Taking

The Hoyak Tabuik festival is more than just a cultural event. It is a powerful narrative of history, belief, artistry, and identity—all rolled into one unforgettable experience. As Indonesia continues to celebrate and elevate its cultural wealth, festivals like Tabuik remind us that some of the most moving travel experiences come not from monuments or museums, but from traditions that live, breathe, and evolve with the people.

So if you find yourself yearning for something different, something deep and meaningful—come to Pariaman in West Sumatra. Let the drums, chants, colors, and community spirit of Hoyak Tabuik carry you into the heart of Indonesia’s cultural soul.