Solo Batik Carnival is an annual event exposing batik as the main material in creating presented costumes. Solo, once in the past the capital of Surakarta Hadiningrat empire, is one of the most important roots from where the culture of batik starts. As on of an important cultural heritage passed along generations for centuries, batik is among a few cultural heritage which remains well preserved until now.
In effort to maintain or even improve popularity of batik both nationwide as well as worldwide, Solo Batik Carnival is conducted every year since 2008. The latest event was organized by Solo Center Point Foundation in collaboration with the city government of Surakarta, the official name of Solo.
Inspired by Jember Fashion Carnival which incorporates street fashion parade, designed as a community-based carnival Solo Batik Carnival is aimed to become an international event. No wonder that the two events are conceptually similar with one intrinsic distinction, Solo Batik Carnival makes it mandatory to use batik as the main material for the costumes.
It is not an even for fun as it is aimed to present high quality fashion exhibition. Before participating in the carnival all participants have to enroll into a months long fashion design course. The designed costumes will then have to be made and then worn by the participants in carnival that takes place along the main street of Solo, Jalan Slamet Riyadi that ends at the mayor office.
Initially Solo Batik Carnival was conducted in daylight. But since the fourth year the schedule was shifted to be started in the evening. Magnificently luxurious batik material creatively set into beautiful fashion creations look glorious under colorful floodlights, making the event even more appealing. Floods of attendees are coming not only from Solo and surrounding areas but also from other cities and provinces. To make it easier for both participants and attracted attendees to mark their schedule, starting from 2009 Solo Batik Carnival has a fix schedule, every June.
Each year the event brought a uniquely different theme, Masks, Flower of the Universe, Miraculous Legend, and so forth, which then translated into the costume designs. Combination of classic batik patterns with contemporary modern motives dressed up with various accessories like tiaras and beads makes the event getting more colorful every year.
To expand its exposure last year a delegation of Solo Batik Carnival was sent to participate Chingay Festival in Singapore, which receive wide public appreciation.
