5 Jan 2019
Mekotek
On this day, the villagers of Munggu in Mengwi hold the Mekotek ritual. Known as ‘spear fight’, the ritual started in 1934 in the village of Munggu and real spears were used at the time unlike the blunt ended wooden sticks that are used at present. The Mekotek sees two groups of male villagers as opponents attempting to force down the opposition cone of sticks which usually results in people being crushed below the collapsed cone of sticks.
27 Feb 2019
Anniversary of Denpasar
Denpasar will burst with colour as the island’s capital celebrates its 231st anniversary this year on 27 February. Merriment will take place around Puputan Square, and a number of competitions as well as cultural performances and parades will also be held on the day.
8 Mar 2019
Omed-omedan
Known as the kissing ritual, Omed-omedan is celebrated on the day after Nyepi (the silent day) to welcome the Çaka new year. The single Sesetan boys are probably the happiest on this day, for they get to kiss the single ladies of their village without any consequences. During OmedOmedan bachelors and bachelorettes aged 17-30 of Sesetan gather on the area’s main street. Divided into two groups (men and women), they will take position and face each other; at a given signal, both sides will approach to the centre of the street, and male participants will pull and kiss (sometimes forcefully) the female participants while the rest of the villagers in the audience pour buckets of water over them.
24-31 Mar 2019
Bali Spirit Festival
The week-long festival takes many forms, from yoga, meditation, dance, martial arts and healing workshops and seminars; to full-day fairs and markets selling handicrafts, vegan foods, clothing and gifts. A huge line up of world and spiritual music will hit both daytime and night concerts. Find their schedules, line-ups, special events and more information on their website.
10-19 Apr 2019
Gianyar Art & Cultural Festival
Held in downtown Gianyar, the Gianyar Art & Cultural Festival aims to promote the regency as a must-visit destination in Bali. The festival will showcase the traditional art, music, costume, food, and even literature unique to the area.
21 Apr 2019
Easter in Bali
Easter is a time for family and where better than Bali to enjoy an Easter Holiday ! On top of a getaway to the island of the gods, on Easter Sunday many restaurants have prepared amazing Easter Sunday Brunch all around the island – whether you’re visiting or a resident, this is a day of indulgence you shouldn’t miss.
26-28 Apr 2019
Ubud Food Festival
Indonesia’s most outstanding chefs, producers, restaurateurs, entrepreneurs, food photographers, storytellers, scientists and activists will converge in Bali for the Ubud Food Festival Presented by ABC (UFF). In its fifth year, the country’s leading culinary event will celebrate the nation’s diverse cuisines and exciting gastronomic scene with food lovers from near and far through the theme ‘Spice Up the World.
9-25 May 2019
Festival Bahari
Festival Bahari, or the “ocean festivalâ€, is held by the government of Badung to promote the regency, which is home to a number of the island’s most popular areas such as Kuta and Seminyak, as the leading destination in Bali. Place to be confirmed.
17-21 May 2019
Buleleng Art Festival
This festival aims at promoting and conserving the traditional art and culture of North Bali.
9-16 Jun 2019
Bali Art Festival
Held annually, Bali Art Festival was first held in 1979 by the late Professor Ida Bagus Mantra. The main purpose of this festival is to preserve Balinese art, music, and literature, gaining a strong base for national identity. Now, combining emerging international arts with local culture, Bali Art Festival has become the creative event of the year with its parade, exhibition, and workshop.
24-25 Jun 2019
TengananPengringsingan Festival
Among the festivities is the famous PerangPandan, or locally known as mekare-kare. This annual, age-old tradition is a colossal coming-of-age ritual, dedicated to God Indra, the Hindu god of war and the sky. The ritual sees friendly duels between all male villagers, who bout each other armed with a small rattan shield in one hand and a tied packet of thorny ‘pandan’ leaves in the other.
3-6 Jul 2019
Twin Lake Festival
Located in front of the Ulun Danu Buyan Temple at Pancasari Village, Sukasada and Ulun Danu Tamblingan at Munduk Village, Banjar, Twin Lake Festival is aimed to introduce original Buleleng agricultural products – the name “Twin Lake†refers to the Buyan Lake and Tamblingan Lake. The festival creates opportunities for visitors to try the seafood selection and locally grown exotic fruits. With its Bull Races Parade, traditional game Gangsing Competition, Fruit Arrangement Competition, and Handy Craft Exhibition, the festival offers entertaining ways to spend your time in Bali. The people of Buleleng perform traditional, unique sports at one of the events.
14 Jul 2019
Makepung Race, Governor Cup
Makepung is one of the unique traditions stemming from the agrarian livelihood of the island, and is a widely enjoyed event in the regency of Jembrana, West Bali. The widely known race of water buffalo is a colourful spectacle and the racing course is about 2 kilometres. Here, the farmers and their buffalo come to race for honour, pride and the trophy, rather than for money.
27-29 Jul 2019
Tulamben Festival
This East Bali event will highlight a variety of competitions, exhibitions, and an art and culture parade. Traditional Jukung wooden boat races, wind-powered, will also be held to showcase the skills of the local fishermen.
15-19 Aug 2019
Kuta SeaSandLand
Kuta Seasandland is a five-day Beach Festival that takes place on the popular Kuta Beach, filled with various events such as parade by the communities of Kuta, culinary festival, cultural and art attractions, international competitions, and international-level musical entertainment.
16-17 Aug 2019
Ubud Village Jazz Festival
After 6 successful years, the Ubud Village Jazz Festival (UVJF) returns again this year carrying the theme “Freedom of Expressionâ€, welcoming many legendary figures from the Indonesian archipelago and abroad, who will come to perform and share their most recent arrangements with the public at Arma Museum Garden.
18-20 Aug 2019
Tanah Lot Festival
An exceptional event taking place in one of Bali’s most popular attractions, Tanah Lot Festival will be packed with art performances, highlighting different types of Balinese dance among others.
21-25 Aug 2019
Sanur Village Festival
The 14th annual Sanur Village Festival (SVF 2019) aims to facilitate and develop Sanur community’s creativity and achieve synergy between this creativity and the tourism industry.
24-26 Aug 2019
Tirta Gangga Festival
Held in the island’s celebrated Tirta Gangga Water Palace, Tirta Gangga Festival’s theme is always related to water and life. During the festival, a stage is built around the water garden, where amazing talents from the local villagers perform poetry, dances, and play music. The three-day festival is a mix of installation art, landscape painting, and theatre including creative competitions to encourage young people’s passion and talents. As part of Bali’s main attractions, Tirta Gangga Water Palace has a large square pool decorated with Buddhist gods and goddesses and an elegant, tiered Nawa Sanga fountain. The one-hectare property located on the outskirt of Amlapura in its well-known current state, was built in 1948 by the last king of Karangasem.
29 Aug 2019
Bali Kite Festival
Always anticipated by both residents and visitors to Bali, Bali Kite Festival is a series of kiting events that starts during the windy season. The festival is a delight for all ages, providing creative competitions such as ‘3D New Kite Creation’ and performing melodious Gamelan orchestra to the guests.
source: nowbali.co.id
