The Mangkunegaran MakaN-MakaN culinary festival officially kicked off on Friday (5/1), marking a vibrant celebration of the Pura Mangkunegaran’s 269th anniversary. The opening ceremony was held at Pamedan Mangkunegaran, the historic green field situated directly in front of the palace in Solo, Central Java, and was highlighted by a traditional apem cake distribution.
Gusti Raden Ajeng Ancillasura Marina Sudjiwo, affectionately known as Gusti Sura, explained the significance of the gesture following the ceremony. “The apem distribution is part of a tradition called Boga Samromo. It is a routine practice we conduct every Saturday Pon and during major events like this one. At its core, it represents sharing blessings with one another,” she said.
To celebrate the occasion, organizers—with support from Bank Permata, Katadata, and the DNC Foundation—distributed apem cakes in 10 different flavors. Gusti Sura highlighted how the culinary offerings have evolved to stay relevant to modern tastes. “We have adapted this tradition to be more contemporary. Today, you can find unique variations such as chocolate, pandan, and even tea-flavored apem,” she noted.
The festival, which runs from May 1 to May 3, 2026, features over 80 culinary and non-culinary tenants and is entirely free to the public. Attendees can explore a diverse array of traditional delicacies, including Abdi Dalem signature dishes like tahu petis keprabon, trimo manyar, jenang Bu Nik, and pawon cenik. The event also showcases legendary local establishments, such as Getuk Trio, which has been operating since 1958, and the long-standing Rawon Penjara, established in the 1970s.
Beyond the food, the event has captured the public’s imagination with its unique atmosphere. Many visitors have taken to social media to remark that the festival grounds feel reminiscent of the Harry Potter universe. Gusti Sura was not surprised by the comparison, noting that the Adeging Mangkunegaran anniversary theme centers on the horse as an icon. “As you can see both in front of Ngarsopuro and here at the venue, there are many horse motifs throughout the space,” she explained.
Glenn Ranti, Division Head of Corporate Communications at Permata Bank, expressed his delight at the overwhelming enthusiasm from the Solo community. He highlighted that the festival serves as a massive gathering of local culinary talent, featuring over 100 legendary UMKM food vendors from Solo and the surrounding areas.
For Permata Bank, participating in the Adeging Mangkunegaran celebration is part of a broader commitment to creating meaningful value for customers, the community, and the general public. Through such collaborations, the bank aims to provide tangible benefits while honoring the rich cultural heritage of the region. Gusti Sura shares this vision, hoping the festival will become a cherished annual tradition that fosters community unity and ensures the preservation of Mangkunegaran culture for generations to come.
Summary
The Mangkunegaran MakaN-MakaN culinary festival has officially opened at Pamedan Mangkunegaran in Solo to celebrate the palace’s 269th anniversary. The event, which runs from May 1 to May 3, features over 80 vendors offering a blend of traditional delicacies and modern, flavored apem cakes. This gathering highlights local cultural heritage while incorporating a unique atmosphere that many visitors have compared to the aesthetic of the Harry Potter universe due to its distinctive horse motifs.
Supported by partners like Bank Permata, the festival serves as a platform to showcase over 100 legendary local culinary businesses and street food vendors. The organizers aim to honor Mangkunegaran’s history through traditions like the Boga Samromo while fostering community unity. By providing free public access, the event seeks to ensure the preservation of regional culture and provide meaningful experiences for both residents and visitors.
