Flores Island in Indonesia is alive with devotion as the Catholic community celebrates a five-week Marian festival culminating in the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15. Known locally as Golo Koe, the celebration began on July 9 and is being observed across 26 parishes in the Diocese of Labaun Bajo.
The festival was launched with a grand procession at St. Martin’s Parish in Bari, where a statue of Our Lady of the Assumption was carried in a joyful display of faith. Traditionally held on water, this year’s procession was brought ashore due to changing weather conditions.
The celebration was marked by traditional Manggarai dances, songs, and rituals that reflect the island’s deep-rooted cultural heritage. Streets were beautifully decorated with bamboo as part of the welcoming ceremony for the Marian statue. Organizers described the festival as a meaningful blend of spirituality and cultural pride.
Bishop Maksimus Regus presided over the opening Mass, urging the faithful to reflect on the Virgin Mary as a symbol of unity, presence, and maternal care. He highlighted the importance of such communal events in reinforcing both faith and cultural identity.
According to the diocese’s vicar general and festival chairperson, Golo Koe is more than a religious event it’s a spiritual and cultural movement that strengthens bonds among communities and celebrates the rich legacy of the people of Flores.
The festival will reach its peak on August 14, with a concluding procession from Waterfront City to Golo Koe Hill, envisioned as the spiritual and cultural highlight of the celebration. Alongside its liturgical significance, the festival showcases the vibrant Catholic identity and traditional values of Flores Island.