Ondel-ondel (Betawi Giant Puppet Folk Art)

Long before becoming a mainstay for festive street parades and welcoming honored guests, Ondel-ondel originally served a spiritual purpose to ward off bad luck or protect villages from diseases and evil spirits. The giant effigies are woven from bamboo and clad in bright traditional garments, allowing a performer to step inside and dance. The male Ondel-ondel face is traditionally painted red to symbolize courage and strength, while the female face is painted white to represent kindness and purity. The performance is always lively, driven by the rhythmic beats of traditional music like Tanjidor or Gambang Kromong.