The week of October 2 marked the twentieth anniversary of the founding of SMKN 1 Cangkringan. While school anniversaries are customarily celebrated throughout Indonesia, SMKN 1 Cangkringan’s twentieth called for a celebration of unparalleled scale. The week-long celebration commenced with three days of competition and fun in athletics, culinary expression, performance arts, fashion, and more. The anniversary week, which was almost exclusively organized by students, offered the opportunity for participation from regional schools and community members of all ages. ETA Parker Raybourne had the opportunity to partake in the week of festivities by judging class food stalls (cafes), performing with fellow school faculty in the student show, and, perhaps most notably, walking in the Kirab.

A Kirab is a processional held during celebratory events in Java. This Kirab rounded the week, kicking off the penultimate anniversary celebration and ceremony. SMKN 1 Cangkringan’s Kirab featured a Cucuk Lampah (traditional Javanese dance), the school’s flag bearers, and each class’s tumpeng (traditional food presentation used in celebrations). Parker sported Yogyakarta’s traditional clothing to present gifts to regional leaders and officials. The celebration concluded with a “massive” outdoor dangdut concert. Parker hopes that by partaking in local celebrations, he is better equipped to discuss local customs, increase cultural exchange, and ultimately inform his English teaching approach.

Harrison “Parker” Raybourne is currently teaching at SMKN 1 Cangkringan, Yogyakarta.