Exciting and beautiful festivals of Indonesia are held in all cities of Indonesia, especially on the island of Bali. Stay with Saed News to get to know these festivals.
Indonesia, thanks to its cultural and ethnic diversity, witnesses numerous colorful festivals throughout the year, making travel to this Asian country even more attractive for tourists. The natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Indonesia have led many tourists to travel to the country with Indonesia tours. However, that's not all. Indonesia holds numerous festivals throughout the year, reflecting its traditions and the cultures of neighboring countries. The country has a population of over 230 million people and, due to its diverse customs and cultures, hosts a variety of festivals, some of which are dedicated to religious events for Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, and others. Almost every province of Indonesia has its own unique cultural festivals, offering a distinct and fascinating experience for every tourist.
Jember is a small city in East Java that hosts the unique and fascinating Jember Fashion Carnival, which attracts fashion and art enthusiasts from around the world. This festival started in 2001 and has become one of the symbols of contemporary East Javanese culture. It serves as an exhibition for local fashion designers to showcase their art to Indonesia and the global fashion industry, making it one of the most colorful and visually stunning festivals in Indonesia. The Jember Fashion Carnival is the seventh largest festival in the world, and thousands of people participate every August.
Between July and August, Bali's skies are unlike any other in the world. With the onset of the wind on the island, Bali hosts a beautiful and spectacular kite festival. In this festival, you can see hundreds of colorful kites in various shapes and sizes flying in the sky, adding a special and captivating atmosphere to Bali. The Bali Kite Festival is one of the most important traditional festivals of the beautiful island of Bali, with most locals participating, and many tourists travel to Bali specifically to see this exciting and fascinating event. The festival does not have a fixed date, as it largely depends on Bali's weather conditions, but it is usually held between July and August on the eastern Padang Galak beach in the north of Sanur, also known as the Kite Beach.
Galungan is a festival commemorating the death of the powerful ruler Mayadenawa, one of the biggest festivals in Bali, lasting for 10 days. The people believe that during these 10 days, the gods descend from the heavens to join in the celebrations. During this festival, Barong, the king of spirits (a creature combining a lion and a dog), visits temples and villages. Locals host feasts and visit family members. The final celebration of this festival is called Kuningan, when the people of Bali give thanks to the gods and bid them farewell. Galungan and Kuningan are celebrated in every village of Bali in the best possible way, and tourists can participate as well. This time is perfect for traveling to Bali (this festival is held every 210 days, with the timing determined by the Indonesian Wuku calendar).
The Bali Arts Festival is held every year between June and July. This traditional festival is filled with dance, joy, music, and excitement. Tourists from all over the world visit Bali to participate in this festival, which is one of Indonesia’s key tourist attractions. The festival showcases traditional dances, music, vibrant local costumes, traditional village dances, and various Indonesian foods and handicrafts. The event lasts for a month, keeping traditional culture alive, and it is a great pride for Indonesia. Hundreds of the best artists from Bali and other Indonesian islands travel to this city to participate, and it is the perfect way to learn about the culture and traditions of Bali and Indonesia. The theme of the 2018 festival was "Fire, the Creator of Soul and Spirit," symbolizing that fire is inseparable from human life and is a source of vital energy. Spiritually, humans must control their negative energies, including anger. It is worth noting that fire has always played an important role in Hindu rituals.
Nyepi, meaning "Day of Silence and Isolation," is a unique festival where participants generally stay in their accommodations (home, workplace, or hotel) and refrain from traveling. However, at dusk, participants come out to perform a parade of mythical demons and giants using large dough puppets. Typically, one or more people enter these puppets and move through the streets. These demons symbolize Bhutakala, or "evil forces." At dusk, the people of Bali begin the ceremony with prayers at family temples, followed by a special ritual called Pengrupukan, where participants try to chase away the "evil forces" from among them, often using flaming bamboo. During this festival, the evil spirits and malevolent forces (from the locals’ perspective) are portrayed with statues called "Ogoh-Ogoh." Tourists visiting Bali in March can witness this ceremony firsthand.
Dieng is one of the world’s most famous plateaus, with stunning views that attract many tourists. Culture and tradition play an important role in this community, and one of its unique customs is called "Ruwatan." In this ceremony, children from Dieng with tangled and knotted hair participate, and their hair is cut so they can have natural hair in the future. The cut hair is symbolically thrown into the river to return to its origin. This celebration is accompanied by various traditional art performances and is held in early August.
The Sekaten Festival is a traditional ceremony with exhibitions and night markets, lasting for seven days to celebrate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is held every year from the fifth to the twelfth day of the Islamic month of Rabi' al-Awwal (the birthday of Prophet Muhammad). On the twelfth day, a large mound of rice, sweets, diverse foods, fruits, and vegetables is presented, guarded by royal guards. After prayers, people rush toward the mound, believing that consuming the food will bring blessings and prosperity.
This popular and stunning festival attracts many yoga enthusiasts to Bali each year. The Bali Yoga Festival brings together many yoga teachers and students who practice this relaxing sport. Many tourists also attend the festival and enjoy their time on the beautiful island of Bali. Participants gain additional energy through yoga and have a unique and fascinating experience. The island also hosts music and dance during the festival.
The Galungan Festival is the most important celebration in the Balinese Wuku calendar. Locals believe that during the 10 days of the festival, the gods descend to the Earth for a celebration. During this festival, the locals move Barong (mythical creatures made of lion and dog) from temple to temple. The ceremony symbolizes the victory of Dharma (virtue) over evil forces. People decorate fruits and flowers and attend the celebration dressed in their finest attire, adorned with jewelry. The exact date of the festival is based on the Balinese calendar and is also celebrated by Hindus worldwide.
Another exciting festival in Bali is the Ubud Food Festival, which celebrates delicious and fragrant local food. The festival has been held five times, with local and international chefs showcasing exciting dishes in Bali. Held in April, the festival introduces many Indonesian local foods and is accompanied by various workshops and cultural programs. Tickets for the Ubud Food Festival should be purchased in mid-March.
Nembak Gni, the day after Nyepi (the Day of Silence) in Bali, breaks the silence of the Saka New Year celebration. This local holiday is marked by family visits and island tours. Med-Omdan is a rare and unique event held the day after Nyepi, celebrated exclusively by the Banjar Kaja community of the Sazan village in Denpasar. Young people and community members go to the streets, splash water, and dance with joy.
The Perang Pandan Festival, also called Mekare-Kar, is a traditional sport in Bali from the Tenganan Dauh Tukad village. This event is a rite of passage for young people in the village. Young men fight each other with shields made of bamboo and bundles of pandan plants. The Perang Pandan Festival usually takes place in June.
The Sanur Village Festival is an annual arts and culture festival organized by the Sanur Beach community. This festival is typically a weeklong event full of cultural highlights, including food, water sports, and environmental awareness programs. Over the years, it has expanded to include food and beverage industries, fashion, yoga, sports activities, and even a marathon called Sanur Run. This festival is often held in August, with a cultural street parade marking the festival's opening.
The Bali Marathon is an annual event that passes through flat roads and various hills in the Gianyar region of East Bali. It typically takes place in August and features several categories: a full marathon (42.195 km), a half marathon (21.0975 km), a short 10 km marathon, and a kids' race. The marathon course follows the Jalan Ida Bagus Mantra main road, passing through villages such as Saba, Ping, Belga, and Buna, before finishing in the villages of Kerama and Medahan.
If you plan to visit Indonesia, we highly recommend participating in these festivals to experience their vibrant culture. We would love for you to share your experiences of attending these festivals with us and let us know your thoughts and suggestions.
