Bali Event November 2019 in Legian and Beyond

Bali’s 2019 calendar of events is marked by quite a number of artistic festivals that allow you to indulge in unique celebrations. From arts and culture to music and sports as well as literary celebrations, we have rounded up Bali’s major events for you to take part in this coming November.

More than just sand and sun, Legian sits perfectly amid Kuta and Seminyak and offers an irreplaceable taste of paradise. From inspiring arts and crafts, dining experiences, to catching the waves, Legian is acknowledged to be one of Bali’s liveliest and most vibrant areas.

As the name ‘Legian’ means ‘sweet’ in Balinese, Legian Beach Festival promises a lasting sweet memory for its visitors. It’s an outdoor day and night mega festival, set along 700 meters of Legian beachfront. As Legian’s most anticipated festival, the event will bring you to a whole new experience with fun activities and competitions along with beachfront bazaar and food stalls.

The twelfth annual Bali International Triathlon returns to the Island of the Gods on November 10, 2019 with Herbalife back as a Title Sponsor. This “Triathlon for the Soul” for the fourth time has course steeped in Balinese culture, starting and finishing in Sanur, the largest traditional village in Bali. The triathlon joins the agenda of Sanur Village Festival showcasing Bali’s Spirit of Heritage with a variety of cultural and athletic events.

Different from the regular Makepung Race, MakepungLampit is held in wetlands, where a pair of buffalo pull the Lampit, or the wooden board, on muddy terrain. Inspired by the Balinese agrarian traditions, MakepungLampit signifies the gotong royong culture, where everyone joins to help each other. In the villages, everyone is helping on the land-levelling process to prepare for the harvesting season. This traditions initiates MakepungLampit.

Another reason why Tumpek Wayang is important for the locals is that it represents various transitions on the traditional calendar and is a connection between the following days: Saniscara, Kajeng, Kilown and Wayang. As a transitional point, this holiday plays a sacred role for locals.

Another key aspect of these celebrations that make the day so special is that devout Balinese celebrate the day as one that marks the birth of the Lord Kala. Local mythology hints that the birth of Kala may have been the result of unplanned intercourse between Shiva god and Uma goddess, although it is important to note that there are several variations to this mythology.

These variations, however, all point to the coming together of Shiva and Uma, which is why each celebration involves purification rites followed by the signature puppet show. This show is staged at the different temples, and is titled ‘Sapuh Leger’.

Whenever you are in Bali during Tumpek Wayang, look out for the puppet shows staged at different locations. Interact with the locals to learn a thing or two about their culture.