A sea of lanterns will once again light up the cool highlands of Dieng as the 15th Dieng Culture Festival (DCF) returns on August 23–24, 2025, bringing visitors back to the roots of Javanese tradition under the theme “Back to the Culture.”
Known for blending cultural heritage with modern tourism, DCF has grown into one of Central Java’s most awaited festivals. This year, the event will continue to highlight its two main attractions: the vibrant cultural parade and the sacred ritual of dreadlock-cutting for children born with naturally matted hair, a ceremony unique to the Dieng Plateau.
“The main highlights of the festival are the cultural parade and the dreadlock-cutting ritual,” said Alif Faozi, Chairman of the Dieng Pandawa Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis), in a written statement on July 18, 2025.
The official launch of DCF XV will take place a month earlier, from July 26 to 27, in conjunction with the Geothermal Festival and the Dieng Fun Walk. Participants can choose to join either the 5-kilometer or 10-kilometer category, adding a sporty touch to the cultural kickoff.
This year also brings a major change to the entertainment lineup. The beloved Jazz Atas Awan program, which has drawn thousands of fans in the past, will be replaced by the grand Orchestra Symphony Dieng. The new orchestral performance will be staged at the Pandawa main stage, offering a fresh musical experience that still stays rooted in artistic elegance. The release of thousands of floating lanterns into the night sky will remain part of the festivities, preserving one of the most magical scenes of the event.
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While the entire festival is open to the public, attendance for the two key programs—the dreadlock-cutting ritual at Arjuna Temple and the orchestra at Pandawa Stage—will be limited to ensure crowd control. To accommodate more guests, organizers will provide two additional public stages: Sembadra and Gatotkaca, which anyone can access freely without restrictions.
With the combination of deeply-rooted rituals, evolving performances, and crowd-friendly access, the 15th DCF is shaping up to be a cultural celebration that’s both meaningful and inclusive. Visitors planning to attend are encouraged to mark their calendars early for a weekend of tradition, music, and spiritual beauty on the mystical plateau of Dieng.
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