Bali is a culturally rich and diverse land. You can gauge the intensity of its religiosity from the fact that it is also known as the “Island of Gods.” If you are a cultural and historical buff, you will have plenty of festivals to attend during your Bali holidays.
Plus, the good thing is that you don’t have to worry about logistics and accommodations anymore, especially if you are coming from the UK. There are plenty of travel agencies that offer a wide range of Bali holiday packages for different types of tourists.
Without wasting any more time, I will get back to my reason for writing this blog: the best cultural and religious festivals that deserve your time while you are in Bali.
The 5 Most Fascinating Festivals in Bali You Shouldn’t Miss
Bali Arts Festival
I will begin my discussion with the most famous festival held in Bali. The festival that lasts more than a month is like a marathon of Balinese music, art, culture, and religious shows. It typically starts in the middle of June and lasts till the middle of July. Held at the famous Taman Werdhi Budaya Arts Centre in Panjer, Denpasar, it begins with a grand opening parade that features unique talent from Bali and other Indonesian provinces.
One thing I would like to mention about this festival is its popularity among both the locals and the foreign tourists. If you get a chance to attend this festival, you will notice that it is filled with people of different colors and races. The festival is not only about the local talent; it also focuses on literature, fashion, handcraft, painting, dancing (both modern and traditional), and culinary arts.
Bali Kite Festival
I think everyone knows about kites and wants to give this harmless sport a try. Just like everything in Bali has a religious touch, the kite festival is no exception. The festival is celebrated between 20th and 21st July along the coast of Padanggalak. It is quite a famous event among locals, and even international tourists who are there during this time love to take part in it.
Once the windy season sets in, the skies are filled with kites of different sizes and shapes, such as triangular or 3-dimensional figures of animals and gods. When I asked the locals why they so eagerly celebrate this festival, they told me that it helps us conserve the culture of the place and educate our young ones about it. Moreover, it also helps support the local kite industry on the island.
Nyepi Eve
Translated to “Happy Eve,” this festival is related to the Balinese New Year celebrations. In Bali, the New Year celebrations last up to 6 days, and this event occurs on the third day.
When I attended this festival for the first time, I was shocked to see how things proceeded. It is not like a typical cultural festival with music or dances. On this day, all the shops in the town are closed, and there is no commercial activity.
There are some rules for this festival, such as loud audio (both indoor and outdoor) is not allowed. Once the sun goes down, the use of light indoors is limited to a minimum. Other than the mute celebrations, people focus on meditation and analyzing oneself. Most of the locals usually think about the mistakes they have made in the last year and ask for forgiveness from their gods. In 2025, the festival was held on the 29th of March, while in 2026, it is planned for the 19th of March.
Chinese New Year
Being the history buff I am, it was a must for me to see the Chinese New Year celebrations in Bali. Although Indonesia was never colonized by China, it has a significant influence from the latter’s culture. Anywhere you go in the country, you will see Chinese temples, architecture, and culture.
This is the reason that the Chinese New Year is celebrated in full bloom in Bali as well. The festivities start at the end of January and last till the first 12 days of February. A typical parade of the Chinese New Year in Bali showcases lively performances of Barongsai, the Lion and Dragon dance crew. You might have already seen it in many movies that have a link with China.
Plus, the most remarkable thing that I loved about this place was the food stalls that were set up near the parade area; there was no shortage of extremely delicious Chinese food, and that too at highly affordable prices.
Ubud Food Festival
Being the foody I am, how can I forget mentioning the food scene of Bali? People here are fond of good food, and this is the reason they have a whole festival to celebrate the local food.
The festival, arranged by private authorities, is a heaven for food lovers. The hosts are some of the best international and local chefs that prepare utterly delicious foods. Ubud Food Festival is one of the most awaited and anticipated events among the food community in the country.
Apart from eating, you can also take part in cooking lessons. The festival lasts from 30th May to 1st June. The dates for this festival are not fixed and may change. So, if you plan to attend it during your Bali holidays, don’t forget to check the event’s website before planning your journey. Please note that unlike other festivals in Bali, this one is not free.
Final Words
That’s a goodbye from my side for now. The 5 festivals that I have mentioned in my list above are just a trailer of the bigger picture. There are more than 26 festivals that take place throughout the year. For my travel adventures, I always take the services of Virikson Holidays. They are a leading tour operator and offer amazing Bali holiday packages at highly affordable rates.