<![CDATA[Dugderan, an annual tradition preceding Ramadan in Semarang, Indonesia, has endured substantial social and cultural change while retaining its significance as a marker of collective identity. This study examines how Dugderan has adapted from a religious announcement ritual into a public cultural festival, and how its historical meanings persist amid modernization and commercialization. A qualitative approach combined historical inquiry with participatory observation around Pasar Johar before the 2025 celebration and interviews with two individuals involved in the tradition. Historical sources were examined to trace developments from the tradition's emergence in 1881, while field accounts informed interpretations of contemporary practices. The findings show that the ceremonial sounds of the bedug and cannon, the procession, and the Warak Ngendog figure remain recognizable expressions of Semarang's heritage. Warak Ngendog continues to symbolize the interaction of Javanese, Arab, and Chinese cultural influences. At the same time, entertainment activities, tourism promotion, and commercial markets have gained prominence, creating economic opportunities but reducing public attention to the celebration's religious and philosophical significance. Accounts of declining demand for traditional Warak Ngendog crafts also reveal challenges for intergenerational transmission. Nevertheless, participation across communities and the continuation of ceremonial elements demonstrate the tradition's adaptive resilience. The study concludes that safeguarding Dugderan requires sustained collaboration among local authorities, cultural practitioners, religious leaders, and younger generations to balance economic development with historically grounded cultural education, spiritual meaning, and inclusive cultural participation.]]>
