Jember Fashion Carnaval is initiated by Dynand Fariz, a fashion designer graduated from ESMOD Jakarta and Paris who comes from this city, Jember. The idea of Jember Fashion Carnival came from the anniversary celebration of Jember city that was held back in 2001. At that time the parade of the reog group resulted in an idea of festive parade like costume festivals in Latin American countries.
Thousands of participants attend the festival that lasts for several days, ranging from kindergarten, elementary, and junior high school students to adults. They come not only from Jember, but also neighbouring cities. The festival takes place on the main street of Jember city with dozens of convoys, each of which features very festive fashion trend. It can be attended by anyone interested, not exclusively by those having beautiful appearance and money.
Jember Fashion Carnaval is not a simple costume parade, it also provides various companion events such as exhibition, conference, and concert. The highlight of Jember Fashion Carnaval is the Grand Carnaval – a costume parade on a 3.6-kilometre stage with a theme that is different every year. In 2018 edition, the event will adopt “Cahaya Asia” (EN: Light of Asia) as its theme, because Asian Games will be held in Indonesia in the same year.
Jember Fashion Carnaval is recognized as the third biggest carnival celebration following the one in Notting Hill and Reunion Island. This most unique, fantastic, and spectacular carnival is attended by hundreds of thousands of visitors, thousands of media, photographers, and fashion observers. They all witness the birth of the nation’s children’s works that are capable of creating creative world-class masterpiece.