BALI KITES FESTIVAL 2018

The Bali Kites Festival is a kiting event that takes place annually, between July and August (sometimes through October). It kicks off notably at the start of the windy season in Bali. The main festival takes place along the eastern coast of Padanggalak, just north of Sanur. This is usually held near the end of June and confirmed following favourable weather. Hundreds of competing kite troupes gather from all over the island to pilot their traditional kites. Oftentimes, alongside international teams with modern kites in various shapes and sizes. The kite festival in Bali started off as a seasonal agrarian festival. It was held to thank the heavens for abundant crops and harvests. The festivals then became a competitive ground for communal ‘banjar’ youth groups, who send their ‘sekaa layangan’ kite teams to participate and win prize money. A competition is also usually held for ‘new creation’ kites. These may include detailed three-dimensional figures and unusual designs, ranging from Hindu gods, cars and motorbikes, to mascots and brand sponsors. A gamelan orchestra accompanies each troupe. This adds to the joyous spirit of the Bali Kites Festival and the dramatic take-offs

The skies over Padanggalak are dominated by these flying giants during the Bali Kites Festival. Nevertheless, you’ll witness kite-filled skies on any given day between June and August – every year. Skies over Bali are just as elaborately decorated as any Balinese procession this windy time of the year. Some kites are even fitted with sound instruments in the form vibrating bows called ‘guwang’. These generate a resonating hum that can be heard from far. Enjoy Bali’s windy season sights and sounds! Don’t worry if you missed out on the main opening festival events in July. There are various side events and competitions to witness throughout the second half of the year. These are also highlighted annually as part of the festivity. Following is the tentative line-up of 2018 Bali kite events. Updates are announced throughout the year by the Bali Kites Association or Pelangi (Persatuan Layang-Layang Indonesia, Bali chapter).

*Dates may shift following favourable weather conditions.

Side Events: