June and July are special months in Bali. You should consider yourselves lucky to be visiting Bali at these times as a grand event for celebrating Balinese culture takes place. The Balinese provincial government holds this event annually for a whole month and is very much-anticipated, which can be one of the things to do in Bali if you’re visiting within these months.
Since its inauguration in 1979, the Bali Arts Festival or also known as Pesta Kesenian Bali has been part of the island’s identity to preserve as well as to promote Balinese cultural values. The event held in Denpasar is for the young generations as well as for tourists. All visitors will enjoy the traditional dance performances and music shows, parades, traditional food stands to other enjoyable activities. Thousands of Balinese great artists and representatives from across the island contribute as participants to this highly anticipated art and culture event. Locals and tourists in their millions also join as the audience.
The Colony Hotel is located in Seminyak is a short car ride from where the event is held in Denpasar, we will offer tours and packages so you are able to enjoy this cultural event.
Photo Source: Pinterest – Thu An – Narwastu | The Colony Boutique Hotel Seminyak Bali
Air is Energy
The event has a theme that changes every year. 2019 has the theme of Bayupramana which translates into “Breath of Life”. As air is believed to be the vital energy and controls everything. Expect Bayupramana to be implemented on all performances in Bali Arts Festival 2019 on their art concept and choreography.
The Main Parade
The festival holds a parade which is the main event of the festival. Indonesia president -Joko Widodo himself opened the even last year on 2018, marking the start of the cultural parade. Representatives of 10 cities of Bali then march one by one in their traditional and colorful costumes. The same enthusiasm is always there, people flocking into the street to get the best view of the parades of dances and traditional music.
Bali Arts Parades & Thematic Ones
Besides the main parade which opens up the month-long event, much more parades with themes such as Nglewang parade exhibits a ritual on Balinese holiday -Galungan. During this time, children play as mythological creatures such as “barong” around the village to vanish any negativity surrounding. Other performances such as dancing, singing and, pantomime acts and the Arja performance of comedic acts cheer up the crowd on different days of the event.
Exhibitions
Contemporary and traditional exhibitions also light up the Bali Arts Festival. Come to see the arts presented from magnificent artists of Bali including Batuan Paintings, and their workshop where visitors are able to learn Batuan style painting. Also, some Balinese fashion shows that includes traditional clothing, documentary movies screening, and body painting.
Enjoy this highly anticipated cultural event happening annually in Denpasar of Bali. The Colony Hotel will include this in their package if you are lucky enough to stay here within the June-July month. Make your stay worth it by participating in this event!