The island of Bali is known for its tropical-paradise climate as well as its rich culture and tradition. Lonely Planet calls Bali "a tapestry of colours and textures" offering "pulse-pounding surf, enchanting temple ceremonies, mesmerising dance performances and ribbons of beaches." If you are planning a trip to Bali, you may want to time it to coincide with one of the frequent periods in which the island's inhabitants join in celebration.
Galungan
- Galungan is the most important spiritual festival in Bali. The 10-day period of celebration extends from the Holy Day of Galungan to the Kuningan day of prayer honoring the ancestors. The festival celebrates the victory of Dharma, or virtue, over Adharma, or evil. The Balinese dress in their finest attire for this holiday and the entire island is colorfully decorated. Galungan Holy Day is observed in the eleventh week of the 210th day in the Balinese calendar. In 2010 there are two opportunities to witness the festivities: May 12 and December 8.
Arts Festival
- The Bali Arts Festival in Denpasar is an opportunity to see the many styles of Balinese dancing and to learn about native handicrafts. This month-long festival takes place from the second Saturday in June to the second Saturday in July. It includes performances, processions and exhibits. Gamelan music, some styles of which are considered holy music to the gods, is performed in a different venues.
Kite Festival
- During the Kite Festival, the skies above Sanur Beach in the Padang Galak area are full of colorful kites, some as large 10 feet across. The Kite Festival puts teams of kite fliers into competition flying traditional Balinese kites shaped like fish, birds or leaves. There is a spiritual aspect to this festival as it is in part a petition to the gods for an abundant harvest. The Kite Festival usually takes place in July or August.
Melasti and Nyepi
- Melasti is a festival of purification held on the last day of the Balinese lunar-year calendar. On this day, amidst the sounds of gamelan and drums, the people of Bali, dressed in their most resplendent clothes, visit the ocean or sacred springs to wash sacred statues and leave offerings of fruit and flowers. In contrast to the music of Melasti, the following day, Nyepi is observed in total silence. Everyone on the island, including tourists, stays in their lodgings, and refrains from work, travel and talking on this first day of the lunar new year. These paired holidays are celebrated near the time of the spring equinox, in late March or early April.
