POWERFUL DAEGU FESTIVAL 2025, KOREA

Daegu, South Korea – May 11, 2025 — The 2025 Powerful Daegu Festival, Korea’s largest citizen-participatory street celebration, has once again transformed the heart of Daegu into a vibrant tapestry of global culture. This year’s edition, held on May 10 and 11 along Gukchaebosang-ro, featured a dynamic lineup of performances, including the debut of Singapore’s Opera Academy with their captivating taridra, “Sri Wikrama Wira.” 

The festival welcomed teams from different countries, including Japan, Taiwan, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Bulgaria and Thailand, highlighting its international appeal and commitment to cultural exchange . The event featured both competitive and non-competitive parades, with the Powerful Parade offering substantial prizes and the Wonderful Parade providing a platform for diverse performances . 

Opera Academy’s performance stood out as a highlight of the festival. Their taridra, a traditional Malay opera blending drama and dance, depicted the story of Sri Wikrama Wira, the son of Sang Nila Utama, who defended ancient Singapura against the Majapahit Empire, leading to a period of prosperity. The 28-member cast, ranging from youth to seniors, showcased a multigenerational ensemble that embodied the spirit of unity and cultural heritage . The performance was choreographed by the talented Md Al-Hafiz Hosni and music composed by the music maestro, Dzul Rabull.

Dr. Hwang Woon Ki, General Director of the Powerful Daegu Festival Committee, praised the performance, stating, “Opera Academy’s performance was a mesmerizing fusion of history and artistry. Their portrayal of Singapore’s rich heritage added a profound depth to our festival, reminding us of the power of storytelling in bridging cultures.”

As the festival concluded, attendees were left with a renewed appreciation for the diverse cultural narratives that enrich our global community. Opera Academy’s participation not only highlighted Singapore’s historical legacy but also underscored the universal language of performance art in fostering international understanding.