Since 1979 tourists have ventured over to Bali (an Indonesian island where the main religion is surprisingly Hindu) for something special in addition to the beauty and the amazingly happy and friendly locals. That would be the month-long arts festival known as Pesta Kesenian Bali – the number one showcase of Balinese culture.
This year the event will run from June 11 until July 9 and kicks off with a parade through Denpasar, starting at the Bajra Sandhi monument and culminating at the Indonesian Institute of the Arts. Expect to see costumed performers as well as gamelan orchestras, providing in turn music and dance.
Other festival events will include puppet plays, handicraft exhibitions, Legong dance dramas, and poetry. Indonesia’s President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will make an opening speech.