Throughout the year there are many events and festivals taking place in every village in Bali.  Below you will find details of some of the main special events and festivals to look out for during your stay.


Galungan - Twice per year, dates vary according to the Hindu calendar
This is a very special holiday for the Balinese to celebrate the victory of good over evil.  Celebrations take place in every village on Bali, with Barong mythical lion dog creatures dancing from temple to temple.  The people of Bali rejoice with feasts and family gatherings.

Kuningam - Twice per year, 10 days after Galungan
The culmination of the Galungan festival, Kuningam is a time for the Balinese to thank and say goodbye to the gods as they ascend back to the heavens.

Nyepi - The Day of Silence - End March or early April dependant on the Hindu calendar
The start of the Balinese New Year brings a day of complete inactivity.  Lighting is not allowed in houses, and no one should leave their homes or rooms.  This is to give the illusion to the evil spirits that Bali is uninhabited and so leave the island alone for another year.  The days before Nyepi are filled with festivals and parades of ogoh-ogoh figures to rid the streets of evil spirits.  The figuresh are eventually burnt and much revelry ensues. 

Bali Arts Festival - Mid June to Mid July, Denpasar
Based at the Taman Wedhi Budaya arts centre, the arts festival brings together all aspects of Balinese culture in one place.  Traditional dance, exhibitions of handicrafts and music all feature.  The festival is the main event of the year, competition is fierce among the dance groups who travel from all over Bali to take part. 

Kuta Karnival - Late September and early October
A week long festival including almost non-stop dancing, music and festivites, alongside kite-flying contests and beach sport tournaments.

Ubud Writers and Readers Festival - October
A gathering of renowned writers and poets gather for stimulating discussion and poetry readings, with particularly attention the writing touches on Bali.