Posted on August 17, 2021
This is an update of my post published on August 17, 2010:
This holiday celebrates Indonesia’s independence from 350 years of Dutch rule. Many people and businesses decorate in red and white and display flags, and many cities host parades.
There are festivities such as races, bicycle decorating contests, and eating contests – how many shrimp chips can you eat?
One of the most popular contests is involves climbing palm trees whose trunks are well greased with a mixture of clay and oil. In the top of each tree hangs a prize, such as a TV or a bike.
Whoever gets to the top first gets the prize. Apparently muddy, greasy kids and adults climb over each other in their eagerness to get to the top first.
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| In the photo above, a worker is greasing the poles before the contest begins. |
Did you know…?
The vast majority of Indonesians are Muslim, but Indonesia is home to the largest Buddhist monument in the world, Borobudur.
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| Toba looks lovely now!! |
Indonesia is made up of 17,500 (or more!) islands. Only around 6,000 are occupied.
Indonesia is home to some amazing creatures, including the nine-and-a-half-foot Komodo dragon and the orangutan.
For more, check out Lonely Planet.
Also on this date:
Writer Wilfred Scawen Blunt’s birthday
Black Cat Appreciation Day
The Meaning of “Is” Day
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Anniversary of the patenting of a wrench
Inventor Ralph Teetor’s birthday
I Love My Feet Day
National Thrift Shop Day
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Anniversary of the first spacecraft to transmit data from the surface of another planet
Anniversary of the first ship to reach the North Pole
Anniversary of the first balloon to cross the Atlantic
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Extraordinary Journeys Day
Flag Day in Bolivia
Flag Day in Indonesia
Baby Boomers Recognition Day
Plan ahead:
Check out my Pinterest boards for:
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August holidays
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August birthdays
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Historical anniversaries in August
And here are my Pinterest boards for:
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September holidays
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September birthdays
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Historical anniversaries in September
