Festivals and Annual Events

Much of the previous night’s festivities continue into the next day. Things quiet down towards mid-afternoon, but ringing in the New Year is a cause for much celebration throughout Bali.

This day is special for Hindus where they celebrate the birth of Sang Yang, the creator of the universe with celebrations across the island.

This marks the end of the new year holiday and the ceremony lasts about 10 days. If you visit during this time, you’ll notice that the temples are decorated and yellow rice is handed to all visitors.

A public holiday and celebrated by the Christian population, the Friday before Easter.

A celebration of dance, music and yoga – this four-day festival brings together artists and yogis from across Indonesia as well as from around the world. The festival includes workshops, concerts and much more. Tickets vary according to day passes, workshop only passes and weekend passes. http://www.balispiritfestival.com

A religious festival, it is extremely loud and flamboyant. Villagers hand out flowers and garlands.

This marks the end of Melasti and silence is observed throughout the island. Lighting must be kept low and no fires can be lit throughout the day. Even the airport is also closed on this day.

This is also a 10-day event that occurs every 210 days. This celebrates the visit of the gods to earth. The gods then leave on Kunningan. Offerings are made to the deified ancestors and dead family members.

The founder of women’s rights in Bali, Raden Ajeng Kartini, is remembered with the local women dressing up in traditional clothing.

May 20 - This is a pubic holiday all across Indonesia which celebrates the Indonesian state philosophy.

-June 12 – July 10-: The Balinese love to dance and celebrate on every occasion possible. The arts festival is no different. It is a month-long festival which includes indigenous Balinese food, classic palace dances, street theatre and other types of performances.

Bulls are bathed and decorated with garlands and coupled to chariots in preparation for the annual race. The race takes place in Jembrana Regency at the west of Bali, and the course is two kilometers in length. The amount of participants could extend up to 300 hundred.

A 10-day festival that happens in the Nusa Dua resort area. Celebrations include dances, music, theatre and art displays.

All temples are beautifully decorated and are a sight to see for tourists. The main temples to visit are the ones on Kuta beach, Denpasar and Ubud.

October 7-11: An annual literary event attended by local and international writers, poets and critics. PO Box 181, Ubud 80571, Indonesia(0)36 197 3282‎

Extremely popular as jazz enthusiasts from across the Indonesia as well as the world gather to play and appreciate the beauty of music. The festival is spread out over 3 days.

December 25:everything is closed and people celebrate by eating out and spending time with their families.

December 31: everyone celebrates by going out and partying while the restaurants and clubs are packed and prior dinner reservations are required at a majority of places.