Pasar Kangen is an annual event in Yogyakarta that connects the Javanese authentic tradition with the modern world. It brings back the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of Yogyakarta’s past. Pasar Kangen started in 2007 to encourage the younger generation in Yogyakarta to rediscover local food, crafts, and traditions that were becoming rare or almost disappearing. Since then, this market festival has become a melting pot for the craftspeople, local food vendors, and artists.
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Get to Know Pasar Kangen Yogyakarta
When you visit Pasar Kangen, you’ll experience Yogyakarta’s culture, taste traditional foods from across the region, explore crafts with history, and support local artisans and the community. The event’s philosophy is to respect our roots, care for the earth, and honor both our past and future. The market reminds us where we come from and encourages us to move forward with care.
What’s On at Pasar Kangen?
Back then, this event was hosted in the central area of Yogyakarta. But now, Pasar Kangen is also held in several areas across the city. Their locations are actually easy to reach from the city centre or from Jalan Malioboro and Alun-Alun Utara. Here are the highlights you can expect when you visit:
1. Nostalgic Culinary
You’ll find traditional sweets and snacks that are quite memorable for most Javanese people’s childhood. The event features “Kuliner Jadul”, with treats like jenang, geplak, and other local favorites, offering a taste of dishes that are hard to find in today’s cafes.
2. Craft & Antique Market
Stalls offer traditional handmade crafts, bamboo weavings, batik, and antiques. These items are more than just souvenirs. They carry stories of culture and craftsmanship. The market is more than a place to shop. It’s alive with tradition.
3. Traditional Performance & Workshop
In 2025, there were 19 folk art groups and two wayang kulit performances. There’s also a space called “Pojok Kreatif” where you can join workshops, learn batik, and try traditional skills. It’s a real cultural experience.
4. Philosophy & Culture
The 2025 theme, “Nandur apa sing dipangan, mangan apa sing ditandur,” simply means: what is planted is what will be eaten. Encourages us to live responsibly. This reflects a Javanese teaching called “Tata Titi Tanam Tuwuh”, which stands for order, precision, planting, and growth. Pasar Kangen is a must-see for its warmth, nostalgia, and cultural richness.