Jackson Rocky
Bali festivals are important aspects in the islanders lives, many are pre-planned annual events determined by season and religion. To experience one of the cultural allures is quite an honour.
This is an annual festival that is held from the second Saturday of June to the second Saturday of July. The Bali Arts Festival comprises of huge glitzy parades that take place at the Puputan Square in the Renon district of Denpasar. While pre-planned artsy performances take place at the Denpasar Arts Centre right throughout the four weeks.
The Balinese Kite is a traditional icon and the kite festival is in honour of this marvellous creation. This too is an annual even that is keenly looked forward to by the tourists. The festival encourages the preservation of an ancient art form with participants from villages located throughout the island bringing in their creations. Huge creations and modern designs make this festival quite a spectacle to observe. The Kite Festival is generally held around the months of June and August which denotes the windy season. Final dates are only confirmed once conducive weather conditions are confirmed. The eastern coast, north of Sanur is the favoured spot for the main events.
Concurring with the Wuku year Galungan is Bali's most important festival. It is a ten day feat celebrated throughout the island. During Galungan Balinese believe the Gods descend to earth for festivities with their earthly subjects. As such during this time Barongs scour the regions temples hosting dances and performances to appease the Gods. Galungan simply is a celebration of good over evil and reminisces the fight of Dharma over Adharma. The festivities are given an exotic air with the placing of a penjor at the entrance of all homes. In order to savour the best of the Galungan festivities you may want to check into one of the best beach hotels in the country. In order to choose the best beach resort Bali has to offer you may want to check out Nusa Dua, Seminyak or Kuta. Home to The Laguna Resort & Spa Bali; Nusa Dua is well known for its beautiful beach and off shore diving attractions.
Exotic culture and tradition does not get any more interesting than the Makepung Buffalo Races. Makepung is the islands well known bull races. These take place within the harvested paddy fields in Jembrana; it is part of the Negara region on the West Coast of Bali. Deemed the 'Grand Prix of Bali'; these races have preliminary rounds by July with the finals being conducted in November.
The Nyepi festival is the celebration of a new year according to the Saka Calendar. The festival occurs the day after the sighting of the new moon within the 9th month. When Nyepi dawns all activities cease. No hearth is lit, no vehicles ply the street - in fact locals remain as silent as possible. This all takes a tumble turn as Nyepi eve approaches. On Nyepi Eve the locals take to the streets with torch lit parades and loads of song, dance and laughter.
