The Function of Ya'ahowu Party as A Receptacle for Performing Arts Nias Traditional Music in Gunungsitoli City

This study aims to determine the function of the Ya'ahowu Festival as a venue for the performing arts of traditional Nias music in the city of Gunungsitoli. This research uses qualitative research methods with qualitative descriptive types. Data collection techniques used are observation, interviews and documentation. The results of the study prove that the function of the Ya'ahowu Festival as a venue for performing arts of traditional Nias music in Gunungsitoli City is 1) the function of entertainment, which can be seen when the tafaeri ensemble and the moroi ba aekhula ensemble are played, there are cheers of joy from the community. 2) the function of physical reaction, this can be seen when the koko in the ngawalö zo li ensemble is played, a physical reaction appears from the people who gather in the field. 3) the function of cultural continuity, where through the Ya'ahowu party, Nias culture can be maintained. 4) the function of integrating the community, which can make friendship between Nias people continue to be established. Apart from the functions offered by Merriam, researchers found other functions, namely 5) economic support facilities, where the implementation of the Ya'ahowu party can increase the number of visitors which will affect the regional economy.