Magelang, May 23, 2026 – MTs Negeri 4 Magelang came alive with vibrant colors, music, and cultural celebrations on Friday morning as the school officially hosted the International Cultural Festival 2026, featuring traditional dances and culinary specialties from seven different countries.
Organized in collaboration with Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), the festival aimed to strengthen cross-cultural friendship and broaden students’ understanding of global diversity through art, culture, and international traditions.
The event showcased a total of 20 dance performances and 20 traditional dishes from around the world. Ten of the dances represented Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage, while the remaining ten highlighted traditions from other countries. Similarly, visitors were introduced to ten authentic Indonesian dishes alongside ten international culinary specialties.
Countries featured in the festival included Indonesia, Germany, Pakistan, Timor-Leste, Madagascar, Nigeria, and South Korea.
The students captivated the audience with impressive performances, wearing colorful traditional costumes and presenting carefully choreographed dances. What made the event particularly remarkable was the students’ ability to introduce and explain each culture fluently in English.
Each group was required to present the history of their dance, its cultural significance, and unique facts about the country they represented—all in English. Their confidence and communication skills became one of the festival’s biggest highlights, earning praise from teachers, guests, and fellow students.
Many participants expressed excitement about being part of the event. Despite the relatively short preparation period, students demonstrated extraordinary dedication and enthusiasm. While some groups had only one week to prepare, others spent up to a month rehearsing and refining their performances to ensure the best possible presentation.
The festival also showcased the diverse talents of MTs Negeri 4 Magelang students. Beyond academic achievement, the event highlighted their artistic creativity, teamwork, and strong English communication skills.
School officials hope that the International Cultural Festival 2026 will become an annual tradition, continuing to promote tolerance, creativity, and global awareness among young people. By providing students with opportunities to learn about different cultures firsthand, the school aims to nurture a generation that is open-minded, respectful of diversity, and prepared to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.