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Many festivals punctuate Indonesians’ lives and it might be a good idea for you to have a look at the calendar before starting to plan your trip to Indonesia. The dates of Indonesian festivals can be different from one island to the other and depend on the main religion of the area.
Also called Greberg, three times a year, Indonesians wearing traditional clothes follow a procession of carts and head to the Kraton, the Sultan’s Palace, to celebrate the spread of Islam by the Sultan. The latter then offers the Gunungan, a sort of cornucopia, to the inhabitants of the island. Where? Yogyakarta. When? January, April and November.
This Indonesian festival is the celebration of Hindu New Year in Bali. The day before statues of demons roam the streets, it is the impressive procession of Ogah-Ogoh. On Nyep day, the island is plunged into total silence so that demons think it isn’t inhabited. Where? Bali When? Date may vary, ask your travel expert for details
It is a Buddhist festival in Indonesia. On Waisak day Buddhists celebrate Buddha’s birth. Make sure you plan a stop at Borobudur during your trip to Indonesia to enjoy this special occasion in the biggest Buddhist temple of the world. Where?
At the end of the Ramadan fast, it is a day dedicated to forgiveness for all Muslims. After prayers they usually share a meal with friends and family. Where? Anywhere on the archipelago When? Date may vary, ask your travel expert for details.
It is an Indonesian festival during which horse riders face off dressed in their finest attire. They fight with false spears and lots of fake blood is used on this day. Where? Sumba When? February
This day is dedicated to fishing. Sassak inhabitants gather at sunset for poetry competitions and at dawn they start fishing. Where ? Lombok, Kuta beach When? February or March
Galungan is an Indonesian festival during which spirits come to Bali, it symbolizes the victory of good over evil. During 10 days Balinese people decorate the streets of the island with penjor and give offerings. On Kuningan day, spirits go back to the afterworld. Where? Bali When? Date may vary, ask your travel expert for details.
It is a dance, yoga and wellness festival. Where? Ubud,Bali When? March
During the grief and death ceremonies, Toraja tribes organize rituals and animal sacrifices to make sure deceased can join the afterworld. Where? Sulawesi When? July and August
Parades, cultural events, sports meets are organized every year to celebrate Independence Day in Indonesia. Where? Everywhere When? 17th August
