6 Unique Local Events in Bali Chances You’ve Never Heard Of Before

Known for its beaches, yoga retreats, and festivals like Nyepi and Galungan, Bali has a lot to offer to the tourists who come to the land. However, the real Bali, the part that tourists rarely experience, comprises dozens of ceremonies and festivals that demonstrate the essence, the spirituality, and the culture of the land. Below are unforgettable festivals that display the living culture of Bali, its traditions, and its people.

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1. Mekotek – The Stick Battle Festival

Location: Munggu Village, Mengwi
When: Held every six months during Kuningan Day, Mekotek typically falls in June or July, depending on the Pawukon (Balinese) calendar

In Mekotek, men fight with wooden poles in a ceremony to repel evil spirits and achieve harmony in the village. The event is exclusive to Munggu Village and is accompanied by traditional music and prayers, making the event both entertaining and spiritual.

Highlights: Ritual stick fighting, community unity, traditional Balinese gamelan music

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2. Ngerebeg - The Monster Parade

Location: Tegallalang, Ubud
When: Held every six months, Ngerebeg usually coincides with Galungan Day, which typically falls around March/April and September/October, depending on the Balinese Pawukon calendar.

During the Ngerebeg ritual, locals march around the town dressed as monsters. This ritual aims at balancing good and evil forces that might affect the town. This is one ritual that very rarely involves tourists but is highly sacred among the Balinese.

Highlights: Traditional costumes, masked parades, village purification rituals

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3. Usaba Sambah – Ancient Village Ritual

Location: Tenganan Pegringsingan
When: The Usaba Sambah Festival is observed every year, specifically happening in June.

Usaba Sambah is a celebration of farming culture and the god Dewa Indra. This event is highlighted by the thrilling Mekare Kare, a ritual fight with pandan, along with Meayunan, making enormous wooden swings. This is because Tenganan has its own distinct culture, which is Bali Aga, the original Bali tribe.

Highlight: Ritual battle of pandans, giant wooden swings, offerings to the gods

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4. Perang Tipat Bantal - The Food Fight Festival

Location: Kapall Village
When: Perang Tipat Bantal takes place every year, typically in Purnama Kapat (October-November).

During this colorful and merry festival, villagers toss rice cakes and pillows at one another. This ritual is an expression of their gratitude for a bountiful harvest and an ideal blending of ritual and festivities, a charming characteristic of the Balinese traditions.

Highlight: Rice cake fights, gratitude for the harvest, community bonding

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5. Mekepung – Buffalo Races of West Bali

Location: Jembrana, Bali
When: This fair is held on a yearly basis, namely in the months of July and November.

Mekepung is an exhilarating race where farmers compete using decorated water buffalo carts racing through the wet paddy fields. The tradition has been around since the agricultural practices involved religious ceremonies where the land and its produce were honored. The current event has evolved to become one of the biggest festivals in the region.

Highlights: Buffalo cart races, rural traditions, seasonal celebrations

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6. Siat Yeh – Water War Festival

Location: Banjar Teba, Desa Adat Jimbaran, Kabupaten Badung, Bali.
When: Siat Yeh traditions in Jimbaran are conducted a day after Nyepi, which is during Ngembak Geni.

Siat Yeh offers both fun and spiritual pursuits. The locals splash water on one another in a ritual meant to cleanse the body and soul. The event offers an exciting mix of cleansing, playing, enjoying community and spiritual bonding, aside from appreciating the spiritual role of water in Balinese culture.

Highlight: Splashing of water rites, purification ceremonies, community fun

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Why These Festivals Matter

Though Bali is known as a tourist haven with beaches and resorts, its real culture is expressed through its festivals. The festivals include:

• Preserve traditional Balinese culture dating back centuries
• Enhance community ties
• Provide a unique experience for the visitor away from the normal tourist route

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Quick Tips for Going to Local Festivals in Bali

Check the dates of the festivals: Some are based upon the 210-day Balinese Pawukon calendar.

• Be respectful: Some of these ceremonies are exclusive only to the traditional villagers and don’t allow visitors. If you happen to be invited, be respectful toward these ancient customs.
• Dress properly: When attending temple and village ceremonies, you will need to have a sarong and sash. 
• Hire a local guide: Some of the events in the villages are by invitation only. A local guide will help you gain entry.
• Bring some small cash donations: There are rituals that the people perform, like the Ngelawang and other local ceremonies.

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Conclusion

Bali is more than just beach and brunch, it’s a living culture. These festivals are a way to explore the depth and richness of this culture and learn about the spiritual and carefree sides of Bali’s character. Next time you’re in Bali, step off the beaten path and experience the real culture of Bali by attending a ceremony. 

Pro Tip: Save this guide and plan your trip to experience at least one of these festivals; it will be a lifetime experience that you will surely remember.