Wearinga traditional Balinese costume and accompanied by the First Lady; the Minister of Culture M. Nuh; and the Minister of Tourism and the Creative Economy Marie Elka Pangestu the President struck a traditionalkul-kul or wooden bell to mark the start of the grand parade. Also in attendance was Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika who said, “This parade presents theBali is a rarity in Southeast Asia a vibrant Hindu-majority community in a region dominated by Islam and Buddhism; a hot tourist commodity where Western and traditionally indigenous ideas sit in a stable yet uneasy balance. Bali’s holiday calendar represents this paradoxical push-and-pull of traditions and influences on the island a mix of Hindu and secular celebrations that welcome tourist participation in good faith. When planning your visit to Bali, consult this list and sync up your trip with any of the celebrations below! 01 of 11 Nyepi Frank Carter/Lonely Planet Images/Getty Images Nyepi, the Balinese New Year, is an interesting anomaly as far as traditional New Year celebrations go. Instead of ringing in the New Year with fireworks and noisemakers, the deeply devout Balinese celebrate Nyepi in near-absolute silence. As the sun sets on the day before Nyepi, Balinese converge on the main crossroad of their respective villages in a raucous celebration known as Pengerupukan, where villagers in Bali carry ogoh-ogoh monsters symbolizing evil spirits that burden people's lives. On the day of Nyepi itself, the Balinese stop all their activities, turn off all lights, refrain from entertainment, and fast the whole day. The silence of Nyepi is supposed to fool evil spirits, who will think the island is uninhabited and leave Bali in peace. During Nyepi, tourists are requested to stay in their hotels for the whole day. Activity only picks up on the day after Nyepi, the day known as Ngembak Geni, as Balinese meet up to seek forgiveness from each other. In 2020, Nyepi takes place on March 25. 02 of 11 Bali Spirit Festival Denitsa Kibarska/Bali Spirit Festival Bali cornered the market on wellness tourism in Southeast Asia long before "Eat Pray Love." The Bali Spirit Festival brings the island’s spirituality to a fever pitch, with a seven-day festival of workshops, concerts, markets and other events. Taking place in Bali’s cultural capital, Ubud, the Bali Spirit Festival brings in visitors looking to explore different dimensions of their spiritual selves. Yoga lovers can take part in classes covering different disciplines Vinyasa, Astanga, Kundalini, Tantra and more. Dance classes take participants on a different kind of flow, and nightly music festivals combine the best of world music and hypnotic EDM beats. Holistic healing methods, championed by different experts from around the world, can be experienced through sessions throughout the week. And a wide range of other spirituality-related workshops will unfold throughout the course of the festival. In 2020, the Bali Spirit Festival takes place in April dates TBA. 03 of 11 Tumpek Wayang Frans Lemmens/Getty Images The most important day of the year for Balinese wayang shadow puppet performers, Tumpek Wayang sees a flowering of wayang performances throughout the island. The tradition of holding wayang performances on this date is rooted in Balinese myth. Balinese Hindus believe that the god of the underworld, Batara Kala, has cursed children born on Tumpek Wayang; such “wrongly born” people can purify themselves by staging a special type of shadow play called the sapuh leger. When visiting during Tumpek Wayang, check with a local community for a sapuh leger performance, or swing by a local Balinese temple to see the puppets, arranged in a row for blessing by a priest. Tumpek Wayang follows the 210-day pawukon calendar; in 2019, the festival takes place twice, on April 20 and November 16. 04 of 11 Ubud Food Festival Lowestock/Getty Images Bali’s food scene is rich and varied, but the island’s size means you can’t enjoy its full range if you’re just staying for a few days. Time your trip for the Ubud Food Festival instead — so you can just stay in Ubud and watch the food scene come to you! The Festival brings together local and international chefs and food personalities — with the aim of sharing Indonesia’s rich culinary culture with the world. Foodies can visit kitchen stage demos and attend talks presented by famous experts like Indonesia’s William Wongso and MasterChef ice cream maven Ben Ungermann, covering topics as diverse as Peranakan cuisine and slow food. Non-professionals can buy passes to the event to try the Balinese and international dishes prepared for the Festival. In 2019, the Ubud Food Festival takes place from April 26 to 28. Continue to 5 of 11 below. 05 of 11 Bali Arts Festival Aditya Agarwal/Pexels Address Jl. Nusa Indah Panjer, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80236, Indonesia Phone +62 361 227176 Imagine one whole month celebrating the best of Bali’s native heritage, linking it to modern means of expression. Traditional theater, morphing into modern performances. Culinary exhibitions of Balinese and Western-fusion food. And a whole gamut of art forms on display, from painting to documentary movies to shadow puppets to music. Staged at the Taman Werdhi Budaya Arts Centre in Denpasar, the Bali Arts Festival takes advantage of the Centre’s outdoor pavilions, stages and auditorium spaces to create its art showcase. No two days show the same lineup you’ll see something new and interesting on every day you visit! In 2019, the Bali Arts Festival takes place between June 16 and July 14. 06 of 11 Galungan Bicho_raro/Getty Images The 210-day traditional pawukon calendar followed by Balinese Hindus honor one festival above all Galungan, a time when the Balinese believe the spirits of the dead roam the earth. Galungan kicks off a 10-day, Bali-wide celebration that honors the one God above all Ida Sang Hyang Widi Wasa, also called the Inconceivable Acintya as Galungan kicks off, the Balinese show a warm welcome to spirits with rituals in both their homes and in local temples. The Ngelawang ritual is the one sight to see during Galungan an exorcism ceremony with a man dressed as a “barong” a mythical beast that symbolizes divine protection. The barong’s rounds through the village is intended to restore the balance of good and evil — locals make a small offering to the barong in exchange. In 2019, Galungan takes place between July 24 and August 3. 07 of 11 Bali Kite Festival Keren Su/Getty Images The winds start picking up speed in July, giving the Balinese a convenient excuse to let their colors fly literally. Visit Padang Galak Beach near Sanur during the Bali Kite Festival, and watch kite-flyers unleash flying frames bearing a riot of designs wild animals, boats, dragons, all competing for their piece of the sky. The Padang Galak event is only one of several kite-flying festivals taking place throughout Bali in this time, though it is probably the most prestigious, offering the largest cash prize to participating kite flyers. In 2019, the Bali Kite Festival starts on July 28 and continues till the end of October. 08 of 11 Ubud Village Jazz Festival Gustra Adnyana/Flickr/CC BY Address F7G7+VG8, Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80571, Indonesia Phone +62 361 976659 The Balinese have had a stellar education in jazz since 2010, courtesy of the Ubud Village Jazz Festival. This year’s event takes place at the Agung Rai Museum of Art, entertaining over 5,000 guests with acts from Indonesia and further afield. The local patronage of the art of jazz is just part of a long Ubud tradition of fervent support of the arts, as evidenced by the many art museums in the area. Beyond just music, the Ubud Village Jazz Festival also takes time to curate food and craft fairs for the less harmonically inclined. In 2019, the Ubud Village Jazz Festival takes place on August 16-17. Continue to 9 of 11 below. 09 of 11 Sanur Village Festival Mario P. Manalu/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA Sanur in South Bali was particularly hard-hit by the Bali bombing of 2005, but they bounced back in a big way with the Sanur Village Festival, held the following year. Responding to tragedy with an outburst of all that is good about Bali, the Sanur Village Festival annually showcases the best of Balinese culture, tradition and sport — its five days packed with gamelan music, kite flying, beach soccer, and wayang kulit performances. The last Festival drew over 20,000 visitors from start to finish. Several major sports events have been folded into the Festival lineup, including the Sanur Quadrathon combining biking, running, swimming and canoeing and an Amateur Open held at the Bali Beach Golf Course. In 2019, the Sanur Village Festival takes place August 16-22. 10 of 11 Maybank Bali Marathon Image courtesy of Maybank Bali Marathon From its first gun-start in 2012, the Maybank Bali Marathon has grown to be a must-see international running event. Over 10,000 runners from 46 countries are expected to sign up this year to run a course known as one of "The 52 Best Races on Earth" by Runners World magazine. Running-minded tourists who sign up for one of the four distances from kids’ dashes, to a 10k, to the half- and full marathons can take in a glorious view of Gianyar and Klungkung regencies’ rice paddies and rolling hills while going through the paces. Balinese local wisdom and hospitality will be on display on different points along the race route, with local communities performing songs, dances and other Balinese cultural acts. Watch this video to get a feel of the marathon, its course and the aftermath. In 2019, the Maybank Bali Marathon takes place on September 9. 11 of 11 Odalan Antony Ratcliffe/Getty Images There’s a temple festival Odalan happening in Bali on every day of the week — inevitable given the thousands of temples throughout the island. Odalan celebrate the founding of the temple with a parade of offerings by local devotees, accompanied by traditional music. To entertain both gods and the crowds on earth, the temple holds Balinese dance performances. The temple becomes a riot of penjor Balinese banners, flowers and devotees on the scene to celebrate as a community. Most odalan take place over the course of one or more days, coinciding with either a full or new moon. Every temple has its own odalan, dictated by the 210-day pawukon calendar. For each of the top temples in Bali, we’ve listed the next odalan season so you can plan your trip accordingly. Kodomono Hi is Adelaide’s largest Japanese Festival, held annually since 1995. The Festival is a celebration of the cultural and social links between the people of Japan and Australia. It is a great day for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy Japanese music, performances, craft, food, martial arts and much more. The Bali Arts Festival brings the island’s cultural scene to life for a month of daily exhibitions, performances and an array of art-related activities. The festival is held to celebrate arts in Bali and bring together art lovers from across the country and beyond. The month-long festival will have you enjoying different performances all day, with an array of exhibitions by different artists and classic dance performances and music. The festival usually starts on the second Saturday of June and finishes in July. During this time, visitors to Bali can see some of the best artwork at the Taman Werdhi Budaya Arts Centre in Denpasar. Many towns will be decorated with traditional bamboo and coconut decorations to celebrate this festival. Many outdoor stages and pavilions are erected so that the vast array of talent can be viewed throughout Bali island. You will be treated to dances, puppetry and musical performances on these stages. The festival usually starts with a parade in Denpasar followed by traditional music, then painting, sculpture, and photography exhibitions open to the public. There are also handicraft exhibitions and food stalls serving Balinese cuisine. The festival ends with a ceremony featuring a traditional ballet dance known as sendratari’, which is typically held at the Ardha Candra stage. TheComposers Now 2019 Festival Opening Event showed off an organization on target. Few evenings wrap such an exemplary program with such a collegial atmosphere. Aligned with the organizational mission to empower living composers and honor their cultural contributions, the January 31st, 2019 event at National Opera Center began with the 2019 Bali has crowned as one of the most visited islands in the world, anything about Bali can blow the visitors away. The high interest of tourists to know more about its art and culture making the Provincial Government hold Bali Art Festival annually. Bali Art Festival is a full month of daily display of a variety of artistic beauty from all sub-districts or city on the island of Bali. All is summarized in the form of exhibitions, performances as well as various activities related to art. The goal is to celebrate the art itself and gather all the art lovers from all over the world. This festival also carries one exclusive artistic theme every year. The opening of Bali Art Festival is usually marked with a parade around the city of Denpasar. There are hundreds of performer to showcase their music and dance talents along the parade using Balinese traditional clothes while showing off the uniqueness of art from their own perspectives. The parade itself is amazing. The sound of Balinese traditional musical instruments such Gong, Ceng-ceng, Genggong, Pereret, and Rindik performed when the parade is delivered the message markers to each corner of the city that the grand event Bali Art Festival has been officially opened. Surely, this stunning appearance can not be missed by tourists. After the parade is finished, tourist can watch the series of exhibitions, performances of Gamelan Gong Kebyar, performances by art galleries and various other Balinese art performances which truly contains a high artistic value. All these art events are performed by domestic artists to people who are intentionally brought from other countries. Next, Bali Art Festival can be enjoyed at the Werdhi Budaya Park Art Centre at Nusa Indah Street No. 1, Panjer Village, South Denpasar Sub-district, Denpasar City. This festival is usually held on the second Saturday of June and end in July. In 2019, Bali Art Festival is planned to be held on June 16th up to July 14th, event is really suitable for the art lover and people who are interested in getting to know more the beauty of Balinese art. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture all the precious moments here.
Event Name Pesta Kesenian Bali Location Bali Date 15 June - 13 July 2019 Preview Pesta Kesenian Bali, the biggest art festival in the Island of the Gods, will be held again in 2019. Since 1979, this event has become the identity of Bali and its people as well. Artists, communities, tourists, and news coverage will flood the streets. They scramble to take part in the implementation of the event. The theme that will be chosen in this year's event is Bayupramana, which means "the breath of life" according to the initiator I Nyoman Suarka. Official media for updates and details please check Suggested for you This Month Events
Officialwebsite of the World Bodypainting Festival, the World Championships for bodypainting artists. A Celebration of Visual Culture and Music. Taking Place since 1998 every year in Carinthia, the south of Austria.
Bali is an island of unique cultural offerings, where ancient beliefs blend with contemporary living. On Bali, life is centred around the island’s annual festivities, with many events celebrating the rich heritage of the Balinese people. One of the best ways to experience the Island of the Gods is to witness such events, with Bali playing host to a wealth of fascinating celebrations throughout the year. So, if you find yourself venturing to these shores, check out our essential guide to the unmissable events and festivals in Bali in 2019. Here, we explore the offerings that make Bali so beautifully unique. Ready your camera and revel in the must-visit events that this eclectic island has on its calendar. Nyepi and the Ogoh – Ogoh Festival Nyepi, the first day of the Saka New Year, celebrates spirituality, rebirth and community and to have a lot of fun Nyepi is one of the most significant events on the Indonesian calendar and should top your list of things to do in Bali in 2019. Nyepi is the first day of the Saka New Year and is a vivid celebration of traditions, spirituality and rebirth. The annual event sees entire communities come together to welcome in the New Year. On the eve of Nyepi, the Balinese people take to their local temple for quiet prayers, warning away any negative spirits for the year ahead. At around 7pm villages, including Nagi near Udub, become filled with colourful papier-mâché models known as Ogoh-Ogoh. These bright and frightful puppets represent omens and are paraded through streets across Bali to celebrate their departure. The next morning, Bali welcomes the Day of Silence. The island comes to a stand-still and no words are spoken. Visitors are expected to stay indoors and respect this sacred tradition. Taking place across the island, this most anticipated annual ceremony will be one of the greatest events in Bali in 2019. Be in the heart of the action by staying in Ubud the night before Nyepi, in one of our gorgeous luxury apartments. Essential Info Address Various, including Nagi Village on the outskirts of Ubud, Jl. Raya Andong, Petulu, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, 80571 Dates Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 March 2019 Omed Omedan and the Festival of Smooches Of all the events and festivals in Bali in 2019, this has to be the most unique! The morning after the Day of Silence, the village of Sesetan in Denpasar resurrects in a truly lively style. Certainly one of the most charming events in Bali in 2019, Omed Omedan, often referred to as the Festival of Smooches, is an annual celebration of love and good fortune. For over 100 years, local singletons between the ages of 17 and 30 have gathered in the village for a comical tug-of-war. Couples are pushed together into kisses, while onlookers throw buckets of water over them. What was once a traditional celebration has quickly become a sought-after dating event, with street food markets and colourful parades welcoming in the new year. Omed Omedan promises to be quite unlike anything you’ve experienced before, and will certainly be one of most unforgettable events in Bali in 2019. If you’re looking for more unique experiences to try in Bali, check out our dedicated guide to the island’s most magical places. Essential Info Address Banjar Kaja Sesetan, Denpasar, Bali Date Friday 8 March 2019 Ubud Food Festival Dive into the culinary heart of Bali. Image credit Image Credit Wirasathya Darmaja. Kitchen Stage From Indonesia to the Middle East with Petty Elliott. Kitchen Stage Indus Ubud Food Festival is one of the best family events in Bali, offering an exciting sensory experience for visitors of all ages. Taking place over three days from Friday 26 April 2019, this culinary event celebrates the versatile cuisine of this eclectic island. At Ubud Food Festival you can watch cooking masterclasses from renowned chefs and attend tasting sessions with fledgling cooks. With regional food tours, live demonstrations, film screenings and workshops, there is gastronomic excitement here for all types of diner. Ubud Food Festival will be the definitive foodie event in Bali in 2019! Stay in the heart of Ubud during the festivities, in one of our hand-selected luxury villas. Essential Info Address Jalan Raya Sanggingan, Ubud, Bali, 80571 Web Rel 62 361 977 408 Facebook Instagram Dates Friday 26 to Sunday 28 April 2019 Purnama Kedasa With so many traditional events and festivals in Bali in 2019, finding one that suits you isn’t hard, and Purnama Kedasa is a celebration for all. This event welcomes in the tenth full moon of the year and holds particular importance to Balinese Hindus. Considered synonymous with new beginnings, this yearly festival is one of the most spiritual things to do in Bali in 2019. Taking place on 20 March in various temples across Bali, you can experience a tradition that many locals live by. Head to a nearby temple and witness thousands gathering for communal prayers. The largest and most sacred Hindu temple in Bali, Pura Besakih, also hosts a special ceremony known as Betara Turun Kabeh. The event calls upon the Hindu gods for blessings and the temple itself is decorated with colourful ribbons and flags. Pilgrims flock here from across the island to experience this yearly event. Betara Turun Kabeh draws an end to Melasti, which sees hundreds of Hindus walk to holy water springs to encourage good fortune for their families. A truly magical sight to behold, Purnama Kedasa will be one of the most unforgettable events in Bali in 2019. Essential Info Address Various, including Pura Besakih, Besakih, Rendang, Karangasem Regency, 80863 Date Wednesday 20 March 2019 Bali Arts Festival If you’re looking for the most diverse and traditional Indonesian events and festivals in Bali in 2019, look no further! Bali Arts Festival takes place every year in Denpasar and is a celebration of traditional Balinese culture. For a whole month the region is alive with music and dance in celebration of local heritage. As one of the most iconic cultural events in Bali in 2019, this carnival boasts a daily schedule of live performances, with arts and crafts and traditional costumes. You can witness authentic and contemporary dance shows, shadow puppet plays and music competitions, as hundreds of local and international artists take to the festival’s stages. This year will be the event’s 41st birthday, proving that this enduring celebration will be one of the most unmissable events in Bali in 2019. Be in the heart of the action during the Bali Arts Festival and stay at one of our gorgeous luxury apartments in beautiful Seminyak. Essential Info Address Denpasar Arts Centre, Taman Werdhi Budaya, Jalan Nusa Indah, Denpasar Tel 62 0361 245 294 Dates Sunday 16 June to Sunday 14 July 2019 Ubud Village Jazz Festival Celebrate national and international music at vibrant Udud Village Jazz Festival. Image Credit One of the most musical things to do in Bali in 2019 is also one of the most fun. Ubud Village Jazz Festival is an annual celebration of music and dance. Founded in 2010 by musician and producer, Yuri Mahatma, this lively event sees thousands of visitors flock to Ubud for a weekend of live jazz entertainment, taking place in both indoor and al fresco venues. An important community event, Ubud Village Jazz Festival features performances from hundreds of local and international musicians, covering a range of jazz styles. The event aims to educate and inspire with a series of workshops taught by expert musicians. As well as live jazz, this intimate and eco-friendly event also offers food and craft fairs, making Ubud Village Jazz Festival one of the most eclectic family events in Bali one that is not to be missed! For more family-friendly activities, take a look at our tips to keeping the kids, and yourself, happy during your trip to Bali. Essential Info Address Agung Rai Museum of Art ARMA, Jalan Raya Pengosekan Ubud Web Tel 62 361 285196 Facebook Instagram Dates Friday 16 and Saturday 17 August 2019 Tumpek Wayang Experience the most sacred day in the Balinese Pawukon year. One of the most fascinating events in Bali in 2019 is also one of the most traditional. Tumpek Wayang is the final and most sacred day of Tumpek in the Balinese Pawukon year. This closing event unites each of the eight dates of Tumpek, welcoming a shift in the seasons and bringing together thousands for sacred reflection. The event is linked to Lord Kala, God of the Underworld. Accordingly to Balinese lore, Lord Kala was born an Ogre, due to the wicked union between his Godly parents, Shiva and Uma. The Balinese believe that any child born on this date carries negative energy, so locals host shadow puppet shows to scare Kala away. The ceremonies cleanse mind, body and spirit, while the famous Sapuh Leger puppets bring colour and fun to proceedings. You can experience the most holy day in the Hindu calendar at numerous temples across the island. Tumpek Wayang is truly unique to Indonesian and should be high on your list of things to do in Bali in 2019! Essential Info Address Various, including Sesetan, South Denpasar, 80114 and Baluk, Negara, Jembrana Regency, 82212 Date Saturday 20 April 2019 Nusa Dua Fiesta An event of vibrant colour, performance and art, the Nusa Dua Fiesta will be one of the greatest festivals in Bali in 2019. Add this annual celebration to your to do’ list and indulge in some charming Balinese hospitality. This cultural event celebrates all things Indonesian. Taking place over five days, the festival boasts everything from exhibitions to body painting competitions, with numerous traditional Balinese dance events tying the festivities together. The fiesta opens with an elaborate ceremony followed by street parades with striking floats, handmade costumes and live music. Get up close with local artists, sample regional cuisine at the event’s food market and be dazzled by exotic fire dancers as night falls. A visit to this annual celebration is by far one of the ultimate things to do in Bali in 2019! Celebrate the Fiesta in style by staying at one of our stunning properties in the heart of Nusa Dua. Essential Info Address Bali Tourism Development Corporation Complex, Nusa Dua, Denpasar, 80363 Web Tel 62 361 771 010 Facebook Instagram Dates Late September 2019, exact dates to be confirmed Bali Kites Festival Witness hundreds of kites dancing in the sky above Sanur. Bali Kites Festival will be one of the most mesmerising of all the events and festivals in Bali in 2019. This competitive kiting tournament takes place every year on Padang Galak Beach near Sanur and is a way for locals to thank the Gods for the year’s harvest. Celebrating Bali’s windy season in style, this festival sees hundreds of giant colourful kites take to the sky for a communal dance. International teams compete with increasingly more elaborate kites, often shaped like Hindu deities or wild animals, making for some truly spectacular Instagram shots! Dive into the playful spirit of the Island of the Gods and attend one of the most vivacious festivals in Bali in 2019. Essential Info Address Padang Galak Beach, Pantai Padang Galak Sanur / Kesiman, Sanur, Denpasar 80237 Date July 2019, date to be confirmed Odalan Come together to celebrate with the Hindu community in Bali. Odalan has to be one of the most important ritual events in Bali in 2019. Village temple festivals, or Odalan, take place almost every day across the island and the celebration remains one of the most significant days in the Hindu calendar. Places of worship commemorate their anniversary with a grand birthday party, where important spirits are welcomed down to earth to visit their ancient ancestors. If a temples’ anniversary falls on a full moon, extra special Odalan events are held in honour. For their Odalan, temples are decorated with flags, while locals attend ceremonies dressed in white and gold. Sacred images of Balinese Gods are taken to holy springs to be cleansed, while music is played to welcome the deities home. Some temples provide entertainment for three days straight, meaning you can experience one of the greatest events in Bali in 2019 in beautiful candlelight. Wherever you go on the island, make your stay memorable by booking one of our hand-picked villas and apartments. Essential Info With over 4,000 temples across the island, Odalan festivities can be experienced almost every day of the year. Take a look at your nearby temple schedule to see when their next celebration is taking place..
bali art festival 2019
