"This is an annual agenda in Saparua and its surroundings," one of the residents, Ona Sahuleka, said when contacted from Ambon on Monday.
Pattimura Day, which is observed on May 15 every year, celebrates the patriotic spirit of Captain Pattimura (1783–1817) in resisting and expelling invaders from Maluku, nicknamed the “land of kings.”
Sahuleka explained that the series of the 206th Pattimura Day activities began on Sunday (May 14, 2023) with the kindling of the Pattimura fire by local traditional leaders on Mount Saniri, Negeri Tuhaha Village, Saparua Island.
"We are very enthusiastic about this event although we have to walk uphill about three kilometers from the entrance of Mount Saniri," he said.
After the Pattimura fire was lighted by traditional figures, it was paraded around the lands of Kulur, Saparua, Tiouw, Porto, and Haria.
Then, the Tuhaha Village's traditional head lit up the Pattimura torch with the Pattimura fire and handed it over to the traditional king of Tuhaha, Yance Sasabone.
"From Tuhaha village, this torch will be paraded to Kulur, which is still on Mount Saniri," Sasabone said.
The torch marching procession was enlivened by a cakalele performance, in which indigenous children, who are immune, stab themselves with sharp objects. Musical instruments like tifa and tahuri were also played during the procession.
The Pattimura torch was brought to Waisisil, and then to the Saparua Square for the Pattimura Day commemoration ceremony.
Meanwhile, at the 206th Pattimura Day ceremony in Ambon city, Maluku Governor Murad Ismail said that the young generation of Maluku must take inspiration from Captain Pattimura in developing Maluku.
"Driven by the burning spirit and fire of struggle, Pattimura and his comrades in arms proceeded without retreat," he added.
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Translator: Ode Azis, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
