The annual event, Pesta Kesenian Bali was first held back in 1979. Since then, it has become one of the most prominent and boisterous of all Bali's festivals. It draws to the island artists, performers, singers and dancers who join their hands to show the world the identity of Bali and its people.
This year the festival is held under 'Bayupramana' theme which translates as 'the breath of life'. Starting on the second Saturday of June and till the second Saturday of July, Bali residents and tourists will have an opportunity to listen to traditional gamelan music played by local orchestras, buy local handicrafts produced on the island, watch wayang kulit shadow puppet shows and see legendary Balinese dances, both contemporary and traditional, of any type and style – from kecak to rejang, from legong to barung, from all regions of the island.
The festival enjoys great popularity among the Balinese people who flock to the Taman Budaya (Bali Art Center) in Denpasar to enjoy the performances. The performances are normally staged in a temple-like amphitheater accommodating up to 6,000 spectators.
Bali to Host Its Annual Pesta Kesenian Festival
News in Asia
Bali's biggest art festival, Pesta Kesenian Bali, will hit the Island of Gods on June, 13. This month-long event will last till July, 13 and will bring to the island the colourful celebrations with dances, performances and street food fairs.