When travelling the world, attending a festival in another country should always be at the top of your bucket list. Keeping your eyes and ears open for the next local event is a sure way to gain unique insight into the particular culture you are immersed in, providing you with an experience that will no doubt leave a long-lasting imprint in your travel memories.
By now, Bali’s colorful New Year’s parade and Day of Silence have drawn major attention and international media, yet how many people have heard of Bali’s lesser-known but equally jaw-dropping Kite Festival that takes place on the beaches of Sanur every year? As the dry season in Bali blows the wind from east to west, thousands gather from around Indonesia to fly and challenge one another with their specially crafted kites. A public spectacle that you must see with your own eyes to truly appreciate, this international competition boasts kites assembled out of bamboo and fabric, ranging in shape from birds to cars to fish, some of which have tails that extend hundreds of meters in length. Teams of at least 10 boys and men work together to manoeuvre their billowing kite and keep it from nose diving into the ground, a much easier task said than done when the winds are fierce and there are hundreds of kites in the sky; the ultimate winners are judged by who can fly their kite the best and the longest.
More than just a competition, this festival originated out of the Hindu tradition to entertain the gods in hopes of plentiful crops the next harvesting season. Live Balinese Gamelan music accompanies the kite flying while food vendors and drink stalls offer yummy treats for spectators to sample and enjoy the show.
The date of the 36th Annual Kite Festival is said to take place from July 18th-20th this year, though the exact dates are never known too far in advance as the competition is subject to the mood of the weather. Look out for news of the festival anytime between July and August for your best bet of catching the massive kites dancing and fighting through the air.
Location: in front of Mertasari Beach, Sanur, Bali
Date: July 18th-20th, 2015 (dates are not set in stone due to the need for specific weather conditions — continue to check here throughout July and August)
Contact: info@baliculturegov.com
