“Kabasaran” serves as a formidable presence during grand occasions, acting as a protective shield for various festivities, including wedding celebrations. On the other hand, “Kawasaran” symbolizes the emergence of national defenders in the face of potential threats," he explained. According to information from Indonesia.travel, the term “Kawasaran” originates from the word "wasar" in the local language, which refers to a fighting rooster with its comb intentionally removed to enhance its fierceness in battle. Additionally, as mentioned on Budaya.kemdikbud.go.id, “Kawasaran” is described as an individual who possesses strength, commands respect, instills fear, and wields great power.
In the “Kawasaran” dance, the traditional attire worn also embodies the patriotic spirit of the Minahasa people as they safeguard and protect their homeland against enemy encroachments.
The Tomohon International Flower Festival is renowned for its flower parade and stunning floats adorned with flowers from Tomohon City and surrounding areas. Participants showcase their creativity by decorating and displaying flowers in unique shapes and styles. A panel of expert judges specializing in floriculture evaluates the floats. This festival attracts a large number of tourists, both local and international regional arts competitions.
The main goal of the Bunaken Enchantment Festival is to protect the underwater environment and cultural arts in the Bunaken area. Additionally, it aims to ensure the long-term success of local tourism, leading to an increase in tourist arrivals. In addition to experiencing the cultural aspects, visitors can also appreciate the stunning natural wonders of Bunaken's underwater world. The festival is typically filled with a variety of activities and attractions, including float boat competitions, cultural carnival competitions, and regional arts competitions.
The Tomini Bay Festival falls under the marine and cultural tourism category. Lately, this form of tourism has gained immense popularity due to the abundance of enjoyable activities available. Apart from unwinding and admiring the beach's beauty, tourists can engage in various other activities such as diving, snorkeling, fishing, and even surfing at specific beaches. The overwhelming interest shown by both locals and tourists in this festival has prompted the local government to establish it as an annual event. In 2015, the festival gained global recognition and transformed into an international-scale event called “Sail Tomini” (Zefanya, 2021).