Pekalongan Carnival Linked to Satanic Rituals, One Participant Dies
The Simbang Kulon Night Carnival (SKNC) 2026 in Simbang Kulon Village, Buaran District, Pekalongan Regency, has been blowing up on social media. The carnival, held Thursday night (10/9/2026) to mark the Prophet Muhammad's birthday and an annual mass circumcision tradition, was seen by netizens as having elements that resemble some sort of ritual. One theatrical performance showed a goat slaughtering scene, and a bunch of the costumes caught people's attention.
The committee explained that this carnival, which has been running for 61 years, is a space for community creativity, featuring fashion parades, traditional arts, marching bands, ogoh-ogoh figures, and even sound horeg setups. The event lineup also included a public religious lecture and mass circumcision. Pekalongan's acting regent, Sukirman, urged residents to keep the peace.
A participant, Ahmad Faiz (41), passed away after taking part in the carnival. His family and the police denied that his death had anything to do with the costume or the performance. His uncle said Faiz had already been exhausted in the days before from working. Police haven't received a formal report yet, but they visited the grieving family's home and stated there were no signs the death was linked to the carnival.
Relevant parties stressed that the activities remain within the context of local religious and cultural celebrations. The public is advised not to spread speculative info that stirs up unease.
https://www.gelora.co/2026/09/