From April to August, the skies of Bali become alive with colour and movement as kite season begins.
Bali Kite Festival 2025: When the Sky Becomes a Canvas
This period, supported by consistent seasonal winds, transforms Bali’s blue skies into a canvas for traditional kites that are both artistic and symbolic. Unlike recreational kites in many other countries, this kites are deeply embedded in local tradition, spirituality, and community life.
The Bali Kite Festival is the highlight of this season, drawing visitors from around the world. The festival celebrates more than just craftsmanship, it’s a way of expressing reverence to the gods, marking the end of harvest, and honouring harmony with nature.
Rare Angon: The Spirit Behind Balinese Kite Culture
The story of Rare Angon is inextricably linked to the tradition of kite flying in Bali, and this term translates to “shepherd boy” in Balinese.
This symbolic figure is said to represent joy, peace, and a close connection with nature. Historically, children who tended livestock would spend their free time flying kites, beginning a legacy that remains central to Balinese culture today.
According to legend, the god Shiva, in the form of Rahu, descends to earth during kite season. This divine connection imbues kite flying with spiritual meaning, especially among farming communities who mark the post-harvest period by flying kites.
This seasonal festival has a religious message meant to send a message to Hindu gods to provide bountiful harvest.
Traditional Balinese Kites: Artistry and Meaning
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Balinese kites are known for their large size, intricate construction, and meaningful shapes.
Most traditional kites or layang layang, are hand-crafted from bamboo and cotton cloth. The balinese kites are flown as part of religious rituals or cultural ceremonies. A distinctive feature of this kites is the ngur, a resonator that creates a humming sound while in flight, adding an auditory dimension to the visual spectacle.
Types of Traditional Balinese Kites
Several iconic kite designs are typically seen at the Bali Kite Festival and throughout the island:
- Bebean: Shaped like a fish, this kite represents prosperity and balance in nature. It often bears the symbol of Dewata Nawa Sanga, signifying the eight cardinal directions.
- Janggan: Perhaps the most majestic of all, this dragon-shaped kite features an impressively long tail that can stretch over 100 metres. It is often flown during ceremonial events after ritual offerings are made.
- Pecukan: This leaf-shaped kite mimics the movement of a falling leaf. It requires significant skill to fly and maintain balance.
- Kuwir: Shaped like a bird or duck, this kite is commonly flown for entertainment due to its lively and agile movement.
- Celepuk: Designed to resemble an owl, the celepuk kite is popular at festivals for its distinct and unusual appearance.
Bali Kite Festival 2025: Rare Angon Festival at Mertasari Beach
This year, the Rare Angon Festival, part of the larger Bali Kite Festival, will occur from 31 July to 3 August at Mertasari Beach, Sanur Kauh Village, Denpasar.
This event will feature kite competitions, live music, baleganjur (traditional gamelan percussion performances), and creative showcases that include night-flying displays and puppet kite exhibitions.
Bali Kite Festival 2025 Schedule
- Thursday, 31 July: International kite flying and live music.
- Friday, 1 August: Puppet kites, night flying, and music performances.
- Saturday–Sunday, 2–3 August: Bali kite competitions to win the rotating trophy from the Mayor of Denpasar.
Participants from 20 countries are set to compete, with China sending the largest delegation. According to Gede Eka Surya Wirawan, the festival’s chairman, Rare Angon is more than a kite event, it is a cultural experience combining heritage, art, innovation, and international exchange.
Denpasar Mayor I Gusti Ngurah Jaya Negara has expressed full support for the festival, viewing it as an essential part of promoting Denpasar and Bali as centres of cultural tourism.
He believes the festival not only serves as entertainment but also as an educational platform for both locals and visitors.
Padang Galak Kite Festival: Unity in the Skies
Another prominent celebration is the Padang Galak Kite Festival, held annually at Padang Galak Beach in Sanur. Organised around July, the festival sees participation from banjars (local community groups) across Bali.
Groups of young people work together to build and fly giant kites, some several metres in width. This event is a display of teamwork, creativity, and cultural preservation. Before flying kites such as the janggan, participants typically perform group prayers and make offerings to ensure spiritual harmony and flight success.
To the Balinese, a kite is not simply an object. They believe a kite has a body, bones, and a spirit; therefore, they treat it with respect and ritual. Sacred kites like the janggan are flown only after ceremonies, and mishandling them is considered a sign of disrespect.
Flying a Kite in Bali: A Spiritual and Artistic Tradition
Flying kites in Bali is more than a seasonal pastime; it is a cultural and religious tradition deeply rooted in the island’s Hindu beliefs. During the dry season, particularly in July, the skies above coastal villages like Canggu begin to fill with giant, vibrant kites.
These are not mere toys. People consider them messages to the Hindu deities, especially Dewa Bayu, the god of wind.
Ritual offerings often accompany this practice, which symbolizes harmony with nature. For those visiting Bali, the spectacle offers a unique chance to witness a blend of artistic expression and spiritual devotion.
Annual International Kite Festival: A Highlight of the Season
The annual international kite festival held in July is a highlight of the Balinese calendar, drawing many tourists to locations such as Sanur and Padanggalak beach.
As teams from across the globe showcase their skill in kite art, the sky becomes a living gallery of dragon-shaped kites, long-tailed janggans, and intricately designed bebean.
These majestic displays do more than entertain—they continue to uphold traditions and convey a message to the Hindu gods. Whether you’re a first-time traveller or a returning visitor, experiencing this festival is a remarkable way to connect with Bali’s heritage and community spirit.
Bali Kite Season: Culture of Bali
The Bali Kite Festival is more than a festive occasion. It is an expression of Balinese identity, where nature, art, and spirituality converge. For visitors, watching a traditional kite soar over the beaches of Sanur is more than a visual treat, it is a connection to the island’s stories, rituals, and history.
Whether you are a kite enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or simply a curious traveller, attending the Bali Kite Festival 2025 is an experience that brings you closer to the soul of Bali.
