The historic island of Tidore marked its 918th anniversary in April 2026 with the Lufu Kie festival, a grand celebration of its majestic maritime legacy. The event highlights the enduring traditional rituals of the North Maluku region, which served as a global center for the spice trade during the medieval era and beyond.
The festival featured the Lufu Kie naval procession, where traditional wooden vessels paraded to honor the sea spirits and the sultanate's historical naval power. Local historians emphasize that these ceremonies are rooted in centuries-old traditions that blend Islamic values with indigenous seafaring rituals, preserving Tidore's unique position as a historical pillar of the archipelago.