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With such a multiplicity of
ethnic groups, Indonesia has, unsurprisingly,
a surfeit of cultural events throughout the year.
On Sumba, mock battles that hark back to the era
of internecine warfare are held in February and
March. The day before Balinese Caka New Year (March-April)
temple icons are taken to the sea to be bathed
and drummers drive evil spirits back to the spirit
world. During the Balinese festival of Galungan
(moving dates) even the gods descend to earth
and join in the revelry. There's a dramatic Easter
Parade on the island of Larantuka, whip duels
in Ruteng, Flores in August and Torajan funereal
feasts are held in central Sulawesi, mainly between
August and October. As most Indonesians are Muslim,
many festivals are affected by the lunar calendar;
dates are subsequently pushed back 10 or 11 days
each year.
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