Joanna James
If you ask any Bali-obsessed traveller why they love the island so much, you’re sure to hear culture as one of the top reasons. Bali hosts cultural celebrations throughout the year.
When it’s windy and the climate is temperate, residents of Bali come out with kites of all colours, shapes, and sizes. Kite flying is an important activity here. During the rice harvest season, locals fly kites to mark the beginning of this wonderful time. Some believe the purpose of kite flying in this manner is to scare away the gods, while others think it is to appease the gods and ask for a good harvest. The festival takes place in August. Be out there on the weekends for the best experience.
Bali is one of the most inspiring destinations in South East Asia. It’s a place where artists and writers come to work on their creative projects – and they always find more than enough inspiration to get them going. The Ubud Writers and Readers Festival is one of the top literary events in Bali, and likely the biggest in South East Asia. This festival is a must-visit for book lovers and writers visiting Bali. The festival runs for four days, during which thinkers, creatives, authors, readers, and artists from around the world come together to let their creativity flow. Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could find accommodation close by? The island’s accommodation sector has you covered with its extensive array of luxury suites in Bali. Some of the popular properties offering these types of accommodations include Anantara Ubud Bali Resort.
Bali always has this quiet and tranquil vibe to it, and it gets even more peaceful during the Ogoh Ogoh Parades and Nyepi, also known as the Day of Silence, which takes place in March. Both locals and tourists are supposed to stay indoors and remain silent. The day is meant for introspection and peace. The root of this festival lies in the belief that demons fly over the island on this day, and keeping quiet is crucial to avoid attracting their attention. The belief is that if you stay silent, they’ll leave you alone. However, the day before Nyepi is the opposite of what transpires the following day, which is Bali’s New Year’s Eve. It’s wild, to say the least. People come outdoors with effigies of demons and parade them through the streets before burning them in a cleansing ritual.
Galungan is the celebration of dharma (good) over adharma (evil), while Kuningan marks the day when ancient spirits return to heaven. During the festival, the streets are lined with decorated bamboo poles. It’s the time when the Balinese honour their gods with offerings, beautiful dances, and prayers. If you’re in Ubud between 23 April and 30 May, keep an eye out for this festival.
If you’re a spiritual person, you’ll want to be in Bali in early May for the Bali Spirit Festival Ubud. Over the course of three days, you can participate in yoga, learn vegan cooking, healing sessions, metaphysics, meditation, and clairvoyance. This festival leans more towards Western spirituality, but there’s also a touch of Bali’s authenticity.
Bali celebrates an endless array of festivals throughout the year. No matter when you visit, you’ll always bear witness to the most vibrant festivities. More festivals in Bali include the Bali Blues Festival, Indigenous Film Festival Ubud, Balinale - Bali Film Festival, Ubud Food Festival, Bali Arts Festival, Sanur Village Festival, and Nusa Dua Light Festival. There’s one more: the Ubud Jazz Festival for jazz lovers!
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
