SEMANA SANTA, TRADISI PASKAH UMAT KATOLIK DI LARANTUKA, FLORES TIMUR, NUSA TENGGARA TIMUR

Abstract

Semana Santa or Hari Bae is a week ritual for the holy of Easter celebration which is held for seven consecutive days by Catholics in Larantuka. This article discusses several important issues related to Semana Santa, namely the history of Semana Santa celebration in Larantuka, an outline of the week of Semana Santa and its rites, and the spiritual places in Larantuka relating to Semana Santa, by giving a little explanation about East Flores Regency at first. Furthermore, this article provides an interpretation about the cultural enculturation process in Semana Santa. This study uses qualitative analysis techniques which is supported by interview, that is an analysis based on the causal relationship of historical phenomena in the particular time and place. The results show that Semana Santa is a pride for Catholics as a whole in Larantuka. Semana Santa procession in Larantuka has undergone enculturation between the beliefs of local community, teachings of the church, and the traditions carried by the Portuguese. Nevertheless, the changes that arise are not a problem, but instead are considered to enrich the tradition of Semana Santa.