The Bali Provincial Department of Culture has announced that a special grandstand will be provided for spectators attending the opening parade of the 2025 Bali Arts Festival (Pesta Kesenian Bali/PKB).
Head of the Bali Cultural Office, I Gede Arya Sugiartha, stated on Wednesday in Denpasar that this is the first time such a facility is being offered to ensure comfort for the public, who every year crowd the streets to watch the much-anticipated parade by regencies and municipalities.
According to Antarabali, “Spectators will have access to dedicated seating, just like the officials seated on the southern side. The public grandstand will be on the northern side and will be a two-tiered structure, although it won’t be covered,” he explained.
The decision to forgo a roof for the northern grandstand is intentional, as the parade will once again take place in front of the tree-shaded Niti Mandala Renon Field.
The 47th edition of the Bali Arts Festival (PKB XLVII) will be held from June 21 to July 19, 2025. Following the opening day in Renon, the events will continue at the Taman Budaya Art Centre in Denpasar.
This year’s theme is Jagat Kerthi: Loka Hita Samadaya – Universal Harmony for the Common Good, which underscores the importance of balance and harmony in life and nature.
Gede Arya explained that the Bali Arts Festival, a cultural celebration belonging to the people of Bali, is designed to preserve and promote the island’s rich artistic traditions. The festival will showcase a wide range of programs, including:
- Peed Aya (Opening Parade)
- Rekasadana (Art Performances)
- Utsawa (Parades)
- Wimbakara (Competitions)
- Bali World Culture Celebration
- Kandarupa (Exhibitions)
- Kriyaloka (Workshops)
- Widyatula (Cultural Dialogues)
- Adi Sewaka Nugraha (Awards for Artistic Contribution)
- Jantra Tradisi Bali (Regional Cultural Week)
This year’s opening parade will be particularly special, as the public will have the opportunity to view it from the newly installed grandstand. The parade will feature participants from all regencies and municipalities, as well as institutional delegations.
The parade route begins at the intersection of Jalan Ir. H. Juanda and Jalan Raya Puputan, passes the main stage, and concludes in front of the Bali Regional Office of the Ministry of Finance.
Each participating region will present a pair of Jegeg Bagus (cultural ambassadors), traditional dances, and thematic performances.
According to Tripzilla, “The format will remain the same, with each region presenting a distinct thematic performance. Their ceremonial banners and majestic attire (payas agung) will differ, as will their cultural presentations, depending on the traditions of their respective customary villages,” Gede Arya added.
Over the course of the month-long festival, the Bali Cultural Department expects more than 500 performances, involving approximately 20,000 artists from across the island.
To support these activities, the Bali Provincial Government has allocated funds to cover performance costs, including IDR 35 million each for 22 performing groups (sekaa), IDR 100 million for 5 groups presenting large-scale and reconstructed performances, and IDR 198 million for 4 groups involved in the opening parade and sendratari (Balinese dance drama).
Tips for Enjoying the 2025 Bali Arts Festival
- Regularly check the official Bali Arts Festival website or Instagram account for updates on schedules and event locations.
- Arrive early to avoid traffic and secure the best viewing spot.
- Consider using online ride-hailing services or renting a motorbike for easier transportation.
- Wear comfortable and respectful clothing and footwear.
- Always be polite, mind your language, and respect local customs and regulations.
- As the venues will be crowded, keep a close watch on your personal belongings to avoid any unwanted incidents.
The 2025 Bali Arts Festival is more than just an annual event—it’s a rare opportunity to delve into the cultural and artistic soul of the Island of the Gods. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the magical moments, and don’t forget to follow these tips for a more enjoyable and meaningful experience.
Sources: Antarabali, Tripzilla.