Bali is the island of multiple ceremonies and festivals. They can add so much color to your visit, making unique moments to remember, or it can be a great way to learn about local customs and traditions. A rich cultural and artistic scene has resulted in numerous events of which it is very difficult to single out the best ones.

However, some of those are much more important than the other ones as well as they are a must-see while in Bali. Here is a list of the most interesting festivals on the Island of Gods.

Nyepi

If you ever wondered how it would be to live like a Hindu people and truly understand their customs, look no more. Nyepi is one of the most interesting festivals, so typically atypical that will leave you speechless.

It’s the most unique day in Bali, also known as ‘’Day of Silence’’ when the whole island shuts down. Literally. You should forget all your plans for sightseeing, exploring restaurants or travelling across the island, because this day is dedicated to meditation and introspection. In other words, everything is closed. Even the airport. You can’t enter or exit the island, nobody is allowed to be out in the streets and there is no talking, working or any kind of entertainment. If you ask yourself (or locals) why, it is because Balinese people believe that gods and demons fly over the island on this particular day. If the island is completely dark and silent, they will be fooled to believe it is inhabited. Therefore, they will pass by without causing any harm. Even if you don’t believe in this myth, it is still a great opportunity to participate in the ritual of ‘Ogoh-ogoh’ parade on Nyepi Eve. Six meters high puppets (‘demons’) are paraded through the village streets with a wide range of music and dance performances which makes this festival a really interesting thing to see.

Despite the strict rules, choose to stay on the island and enjoy the new moon night sky without light pollution. Stargazing in complete darkness was never so appealing! If you want to follow the steps of local people, indulge yourself in deep meditation and reflection. The peacefulness and calmness of Nyepi day are ideal for making a connection with nature and the universe.

Omed-Omedan

Have you ever witnessed the mass kissing ritual? If not, Omed-Omedan is the right festival for you! Held every year after Nyepi day, this smooching ritual is among the most interesting and unique festivals in Bali.

The whole festival starts very peacefully with prayers in temples. Don’t be fooled because when the prayers end, the games begin. Hundreds of people from neighbouring areas and visitors from all over the world start to gather in the streets to enjoy live music and Barong dance performances. As the festival starts around 2pm, don’t forget to come early to secure a good position in the first row. When you spot local boys and girls aged 17-30 divided into two groups, you will know that smooching is about to start. At a given signal, both groups will run to the center of the street, while the male participants will pull and kiss female participants. Sometimes forcefully, but that is all part of the game. And what is a better start for prearranged marriages or for finding your soulmate?

Be prepared to get wet and don’t forget to protect your camera, because the rest of the villagers in the audience pour buckets of water on kissing couples and all over the place. 

Bali Spirit Festival

One of the most interesting festivals for yoga lovers, spirituality seekers, art enthusiasts and music fans is definitely Bali Spirit Festival. Coming to this festival, you can choose between three categories: day music, night concerts and workshops. The first category is a great chance to fully immerse yourself in Balinese culture while enjoying a wide range of spiritual retreats with healing sounds. Gong baths, crystal bowl journeys, sound massages and much more are just one part of its interesting content.

With the music being the heart and soul of the festival, the best part is the fact you can enjoy it all day long due to DJs and musicians from all over the world. Especially when it comes to night concerts that are held under the stars in a much smaller, intimate atmosphere. If you ever get hungry, don’t worry because the Bali Spirit Festival got you covered. A wide range of vegan and raw food options, salads, smoothies and fruit juices will satisfy every palate.

Talking about workshops, numerous yoga classes and traditions are the most popular ones. Choose one of various yoga styles from Hatha, Kundalini, Prana flow, Anusara, Yoga Nidra to many others and find your inner self. After the class, head to one of the interesting personal development seminars, breathing classes or dancing and martial arts classes. The whole atmosphere is totally zen and laid-back because all happenings are about inner growth, mindfulness and wellbeing. For those who seek out more, there are available private sessions in tarot reading, astrology, chiropractic and iridology therapy, Thai massage etc. A real ‘Eat, pray, love’ experience!

Galungan

For people who are truth and justice seekers wishing for a good ending, the Galungan festival is the place to be. Representing a triumph of good (Dharma) over evil (Adharma), this festival is among the most important ones for Balinese people. It marks the time when ancestral spirits visit the Earth and battle against evil spirits. Locals have a responsibility to be hospitable and welcome their deceased relatives through prayers and ceremonies, which is also a sign of gratitude and commemorating the fact that good conquered the evil.

If you find yourself on the island at the time of this interesting festival, allow yourself to be part of it. Feel that exciting, happy vibe of the Balinese community and discover the meaning of their traditions. You will see endless rows of bamboo poles decorated with flowers, fruits and coconut leaves. If someone offers you a little colorful offering made of fruits and flowers, accept it because it is a part of the celebration. Enjoy watching locals wearing their best traditional costumes and learn from their wish to make tomorrow a better day by trying to make themselves better each day. You can even join them in public temples or ask them how you can help in making this celebration even greater. Live music and dance performances are indispensable parts of it, so there is no chance you will be bored.

Galungan Festival is really one big happy ceremony where you can learn about local traditions, eat amazing Balinese food and feel that special holiday vibe.

Bali Kites Festival

You know those movies when a little kid makes a paper dragon and lets it fly, all excited about it? Well, the Bali Kites Festival is a dream come true.

The annual event of making giant, colorful kites started as seasonal agrarian gratitude and quickly became a huge competitive festival with a money prize for the best ones. It is also a great way to observe someone’s creativity because kites come in different shapes and sizes. From Hindu gods, mascots and brand sponsors, to cars and motorbikes, you will be amazed by their design. Each troupe comes with its own musical repertoire, so feel the music and cheer for your favorite while kites majestically dominate the sky!

If you have your own flying dragon, you can participate and try your luck side by side with the best local and international kite-fliers. If you choose only to watch with a beer in your hand and adrenaline pumping inside you, you surely won’t be disappointed. The fun is guaranteed all day long. Bali’s windy season was never so interesting!