Apart from the captivating nature, beaches, sunshine and ancient archaeological sites, Bali also draws the attention with some fantastic festivals, cultural events and celebrations that take place all throughout the year.
Here are five major upcoming festivals and events you can be a part of when visiting Bali:
Ubud Food Festival
One of the most anticipated culinary festivals in Indonesia, Ubud Food Festival is here to treat food lovers from all corners of the world. This three-day culinary event is a celebration of diverse Indonesian cuisine, local produce and innovative chefs. This year, the event is scheduled from 26th April to 28th April. Visit here with your family and friends and explore various live cooking demonstrations, workshops, food tours, markets, movie screenings and live music.
Semarapura Festival Klungkung
An event that aims to promote the district of Klungkung for tourism, Seemarapura Festival attracts art and culture lovers from all around. Visitors can learn about the culture of Klungkung through a number of cultural performances, art and culinary competitions and small exhibitions that take place throughout the festival. The five day event begins 28th April and would last until 2nd May. Visitors can be a part of the lively activities at the fest all throughout the day starting from 7:30 am till 11 pm.
Pesta Kesenian Bali
A month long Bali Arts Festival that takes place every second Saturday in June till the second Saturday in July, Pesta Kesenian Bali festival is an annual celebration of Balinese culture. Another aim of the festival is to promote Indonesia as a major tourist destination. You can enjoy various literary competitions, handicraft exhibitions, traditional dance performances and other cultural activities throughout the festival.
Tenganan Festival
Tenganan Festival is held during Usaba Sambah, a temple ceremony in Tenganan Pegringsingan Village, one of the ancient villages of Bali. The festival mainly focuses on the tradition of ” Perang Pandan” or Pandaus War, and is a huge ritual dedicated to God Indra, the Hindu god of war and the sky. This year, the festival is scheduled from 22nd June to 25th June. During the event you will find houses decorated beautifully, girls boarding a large wooden swing, a special arena that is established for Tenganan men to perform the ritual of duelling as part of the celebration.
Bali Kite Festival
One of the most mesmerising of all the festivals and events in Bali, Bali Kite Festival is an annual international kite festival celebrated in Padang Galak area of Sanur Beach. This competitive tournament takes place between the months of July and August, and is a way for the people to thank the Hindu Gods for the year’s harvest. Traditional colourful kites are flown for a communal dance by teams from the villages of Denpasar; and the teams comprise 70-80 people, each with its own Gamelon band, flag bearers and flyers. You can have a great time with your family attending this lively cultural event that is going to take place from 15th August to 18th August this year.