Cuci Negeri Soya

Cuci Negeri Soya is a traditional ritual and celebration practiced by the people of Soya, dating back to the 14th century BC. The ritual begins in the Negeri Soya and ascends to Mount Sirimau before returning to Negeri Soya. The government and community of Soya have remained consistent in this practice, holding the event annually, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, while adhering to health protocols.

"Cuci Negeri" means cleansing the land from physical dirt and purifying the hearts and minds of the people living in Negeri Soya. The ritual takes place in December, specifically in the second week, based on the ancestral knowledge that December marks the beginning of the western monsoon season. The ritual includes several ceremonial steps: the Grand Saniri meeting, the cleaning of the land, the ascent to Mount Sirimau, the Baileo Samasuru Ceremony, the festival, and the Water Cleansing ceremony.