Complete Guide to Indonesia's National Holidays & Bali Festivals 2025: Exciting Event Dates!

Bali, this picturesque Indonesian island, will host a dazzling cultural feast of festivals and celebrations in 2025. Whether you want to avoid a specific period or attend a grand Bali event, this comprehensive guide will be your best reference! Let’s explore the vibrant and diverse festivities of this unique island together!

• For those looking to avoid Bali’s five peak seasons, check out: Bali Actually Has Five Peak Tourist Seasons! How to Travel Smartly During Off-Peak Times?
• When are Indonesia/Bali’s rainy and dry seasons? See: Best Time to Visit Bali? In-Depth Look at Dry Season, Rainy Season/Pros & ConsAnalysis

Before diving into the details below, it’s important to note that most Indonesian and Balinese holidays are tied to the Islamic calendar/Balinese calendar/Chinese lunar calendar, so their dates change annually and differ from fixed Western calendar dates. Therefore, the same date next year (or any year) may not correspond to the same holiday!

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January

January 1: New Year’s Day (Indonesian National Holiday)

27th: Siwa Ratri (Balinese Hindu Festival)

27th: Ascension of Prophet Muhammad (Indonesian National Holiday)

29th: Chinese Lunar New Year**(Indonesian National Holiday)**

• January 1st, New Year’s Day, is a national holiday worldwide, including Indonesia/Bali, typically peaking with celebrations on December 31st. Indonesians often have a spontaneous ‘Nataru’ holiday during this period—see the festival introduction at the end of December.
• January 27th’s [Siwa Ratri] is one of the most important festivals in the Balinese calendar. Siwa Ratri emphasizes introspection, meditation, and seeking forgiveness. Rituals include 36 hours of staying awake, 24 hours of fasting, and 12 hours of silence. After this period, purification ceremonies are usually held on the beach, alongside rituals at some of the island’s major temples.
• January 27th, 2025, is also Indonesia’s national holiday ‘Ascension of Prophet Muhammad.’ This is a significant Islamic festival commemorating the Prophet Muhammad’s ascension. On this day, Muslims gather at mosques for prayers and worship.
• January 29th marks our Chinese Lunar New Year! Indonesia has designated the first day of the lunar year (January 29th, 2025) as a national holiday, while Taiwan enjoys a nine-day holiday from January 25th (Sat) to February 2nd (Sun). The nine-day Chinese Lunar New Year holiday in 2025 may seem unrelated to Bali, but it’s a prime time for tourists from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan to travel. Additionally, since January 27th and 29th are Indonesian national holidays, with January 28th as a flexible holiday, it creates a five-day break. Taking two more days off on January 30th and 31st extends the holiday to nine days, attracting many Indonesians to Bali for vacation. Thus, our Lunar New Year is also a peak tourist season in Bali! If you plan to visit Bali during this time, here are some tips: Bali Family Travel Guide for Lunar New Year: Flights, Visas, Transportation, Attractions

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a long vacation for adults, winter break for kids, and bring your elders to Bali to escape the cold!

February

8th: Hari Saraswati (Bali Hindu Festival)

26th: Maha Shivaratri (Bali Hindu Festival)

• Hari Saraswati on the 8th is a festival celebrating the goddess of wisdom. It is primarily celebrated by children who pray and bring offerings to their school temples. Balinese people also pay homage to the goddess and books by sprinkling holy water. Bali’s most famous Saraswati water temple is just a five-minute walk from Ubud Palace, also known as the ‘Ubud Water Palace’. Check out Xiao Jie’s introduction: VID0

• The 26th is Maha Shivaratri, a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the three major deities in Hinduism. It is celebrated annually, with Hindus gathering in temples to pray and worship.

March

1st or 2nd: Start of Ramadan

14th: Holi (Bali Hindu Festival)

26th: Omed-Omedan Kissing Festival (Bali Event)

28th: Bali Ogoh-Ogoh Parade (Bali Event)

29th: Bali Silent Day & Hindu New Year (Nyepi) (Indonesian National Holiday)

• During the first two days of March, nearly 90% of Indonesia’s Muslim population begins a month-long fast. What is fasting? Why fast? For a Q&A on Ramadan, watch Xiao Jie’s mom explain: The Origin and Meaning of Ramadan | Ramadan/Eid al-Fitr Q&A
• March 14th is Holi in 2025, a Hindu festival celebrating spring and love, also known as the Festival of Colors. On this day, people throw colored powder at each other and share food and sweets.]}

• 3/26 Omed Omedan Festival, one of Bali’s most exciting celebrations. On this day, crowds of unmarried young people gather to participate in a mass kissing event. Groups of men and women face each other, then begin hugging and kissing. Spectators cheer them on by splashing water. Foreign tourists are welcome to watch, but participation should be avoided.

• 3/28 Bali’s Ogoh-Ogoh Parade, a truly unique experience! Check out Jay’s introduction and consider experiencing it yourself if you have the chance:

• 3/29 Nyepi Day/Hindu New Year. This is Bali’s most important annual festival.

• What is Nyepi Day? Is Nyepi Day a good time to visit Bali? What should you be aware of? Where can you watch the Ogoh-Ogoh Parade? Check here.

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April

1st: Eid al-Fitr (Indonesian National Holiday)

18th: Good Friday (Indonesian National Holiday)

23rd: Galungan & Kuningan (Balinese Hindu Festival)

• Indonesia’s Eid al-Fitr holiday in 2025 will begin on April 1st, with about ten days of national vacation. Eid al-Fitr is Indonesia’s most important holiday. While it celebrates the end of Ramadan for Muslims, it’s also a time for Indonesians to spend with family and friends, similar to Chinese Lunar New Year. Expect Bali to start filling up with locals from March 24th onwards, with crowds lasting about two weeks. This marks Bali’s first of five peak seasons - a period we strongly recommend avoiding for your Bali trip!

Scenes from previous Eid al-Fitr holidays in Bali

The Eid al-Fitr period is also known as ‘Lebaran’. For more about Eid al-Fitr, check out Jay’s video:

• April 18th is a Christian holiday. According to Indonesia’s Pancasila principle of equality among five major religions, major Christian holidays are also national holidays in Indonesia.
• Starting on April 23rd, Galungan & Kuningan (Galungan and Kuningan Festival), one of Bali’s most important festivals, begins. Galungan lasts until Kuningan 10 days later, celebrating the creation of the universe and the triumph of good over evil. During this festival, towering penjor decorations bring vibrant energy to the streets, while abundant offerings, rituals, and celebrations offer a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. People honor their ancestors at home, seeking their blessings, and perform ceremonies at temples to pay respect to the gods. Galungan, according to Bali’s Pawukon calendar, is also the day of the universe’s creation. During this period, schools in Bali close for two weeks, highlighting the festival’s significance! Note that transportation services like ferries, private cars, and taxis may be affected! Many local guides and drivers take days off during the main celebrations, so it’s best to book in advance. The day after Galungan, known as Manis Galungan, is when locals visit relatives and friends or go on outings, so you might find the roads particularly crowded. Large celebrations may also cause traffic congestion.

May

May 1: International Labor Day (Indonesian Public Holiday)

7th: Bali Spirit Festival (Bali Event)

9th–12th: Indonesian Music Expo (Bali Event)

12th: Buddha’s Birthday (Waisak Day) (Indonesian National Holiday)

29th: Ascension Day of Jesus Christ (Indonesian National Holiday)

30th–June 1st: Ubud Food Festival (Bali Event)

• May 1st: International Labor Day
• May 7th–11th: The five-day Bali Spirit Festival is a music, wellness, and yoga festival designed to provide participants with a holistic mind-body-soul experience. The festival takes place at The Yoga Barn in Ubud. It brings together world-class yoga instructors, international music performances, and wellness experts. Tickets are now available for purchase online. Whether attending the full event or just a single day, participants can immerse themselves in this feast for the mind, body, and soul.
• May 9th–12th: The Indonesian Music Expo held in Bali is a significant event showcasing the diversity of Indonesian music. It includes live music performances, seminars and workshops related to the music industry, instrument exhibitions, and networking opportunities for musicians and industry professionals. Such events aim to promote Indonesian music, foster international collaboration, and encourage cultural exchange.
• May 12th: Waisak Day, the most important Buddhist holiday, is a national holiday in several Asian countries.
• May 29th: Christian holiday, national holiday
• May 30th–June 1st: The Ubud Food Festival will be held in Ubud, Bali. This festival is a celebration of Indonesian food and beverages, featuring activities such as long-table lunches, culinary collaborations among Southeast Asia’s leading chefs, food talks, concerts, and film screenings. If you wish to attend, tickets can be purchased on the official website.

Quick Reference:
Ubud Food Festival 2025: A Culinary Heritage Journey in the Heart of Bali

June

June 1: Pancasila Day (Indonesian National Holiday)

6th–7th: Ultra Bali (Bali Event)

7th: Eid al-Adha (Indonesian National Holiday)

June 15 - July 13: Bali Art Festival (Bali Event)

June 19 - 20: Jatiluwih Festival (Bali Event)

TBD: Bhineka Pantai Jerman Culture Festival (Bali Event)

• June 1, Pancasila Day, is similar to Taiwan’s Constitution Day concept (Indonesian National Holiday). Check out Xiao Jie’s introduction for more details:

• June 6/7 marks the second most important Islamic holiday, known as Eid al-Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice. As the name suggests, it involves the sacrifice of livestock. Behind what may seem like a bloody and cruel tradition lies a deeply moving significance:

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• On June 6 and 7, the “Ultra Bali” (https://ultrabali.com/) electronic music festival will take place. This is the Bali edition of the Ultra Music Festival, a renowned international electronic music festival series held in various cities around the world.
• Every June, Bali hosts the Bali Arts Festival, the largest cultural event in Bali, Indonesia, aimed at celebrating, preserving, and developing Balinese art and culture. This festival typically begins on the second Saturday of June and lasts for a month, having been held since 1979, making it one of Indonesia’s oldest festivals. The Bali Arts Festival features various exhibitions, performances, and art-related activities showcasing Balinese culture and art. During the festival, many towns are adorned with traditional bamboo and coconut decorations to celebrate. Numerous outdoor stages and pavilions are set up across Bali to host talent performances. On these stages, you can enjoy dance, puppet shows, and musical performances. The festival usually kicks off with a parade in Denpasar, followed by traditional music, and then opens to the public with exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, and photography, as well as handicraft displays and food stalls offering Balinese cuisine. Scheduled for June 15 - July 13, 2025. Link to the 2023 Bali Art Festival introduction
• On June 19 and 20, the “Jatiluwih Festival” takes place in the Jatiluwih region of Bali. Jatiluwih is famous for its stunning rice terraces and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This festival celebrates and showcases local cultural traditions, agricultural practices, and natural beauty. Activities may include traditional music and dance performances, local food tastings, handicraft displays, and activities related to rice fields and local agriculture.
• The Bhineka Pantai Jerman Culture Festival is a cultural event held in Bali, located at Jerman Beach in the Kuta area. This festival aims to celebrate and promote Indonesia’s multiculturalism, particularly Balinese traditions and arts. The festival typically includes dance performances, traditional music, handicraft displays, food stalls, and attracts both locals and tourists. It not only showcases Indonesia’s cultural diversity but also provides a platform for community engagement and learning.

July

TBD: Bali Kite Festival (Bali Event)

TBD: Sanur Village Festival (Bali Event)

July 3 - 5: Penglipuran Village Festival (Bali Event)

TBD: Suara Festival (Bali Event)

• The Bali Kite Festival is a celebration of Balinese culture, usually held in July and August each year, with the 2025 date yet to be announced. During this festival, participants from around the world bring their uniquely designed kites to compete on the beaches of Sanur.

The Bali Kite Festival is an internationally renowned kite competition.

• The Sanur Village Festival is an annual event (Read more: What’s fun in Sanur? Check out Sanur Guide Map | 45 Things to Eat, Drink, and Enjoy, Plus SPA and Accommodation Recommendations!). This festival celebrates art, food, culture, fashion, yoga, and the environment. Numerous large-scale events and festivals take place simultaneously, such as tennis, traditional boat races, marine water sports, surfing competitions, photography contests and exhibitions, kite flying festivals, village bike tours, markets, coral planting, baby turtle releases, food festivals, music and cultural performances, yoga, open golf championships, and the Bali International Triathlon.

Sanur Village Festival

• The “Penglipuran Village Festival” held in July is an annual cultural festival in Penglipuran Village, Bali. This festival aims to showcase the traditional culture and lifestyle of Penglipuran Village, which is renowned for its well-preserved traditional architecture and cultural practices. The event includes traditional dance and music performances, handicraft exhibitions, local food stalls, and cultural workshops. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of Penglipuran Village’s unique culture and experience the daily life of its residents, making it an ideal way to explore Bali’s traditional village culture. (Read more: Time Travel to Penglipuran Village: Experience Bali’s Ancient Charm)

Penglipuran Village is a wonderful experience

• Another event in July is the Suara Festival. This is a music and art-themed festival in Bali. The festival focuses on contemporary music, visual arts, and cultural performances, aiming to provide a platform for local and international artists to showcase their creativity. The Suara Festival is usually held at various locations across Bali, attracting a large number of music and art enthusiasts. The event includes live music performances, art installations, workshops, and cultural exchange activities. The Suara Festival injects new vitality into Bali’s cultural life while fostering interaction and integration between local and global art communities.

August

1st: Ubud Village Jazz Festival

August 17: Indonesian Independence Day (National Holiday)

22nd-24th: Tanah Lot Arts and Culture Festival (Bali Event)

27th: Ganesh Chaturthi (Bali Hindu Festival)

• 8/1~2: The Ubud Village Jazz Festival (UVJF) is one of Asia’s most important jazz events! This festival has become a signature event in Bali’s cultural hub, attracting jazz enthusiasts from around the world each year. The 2025 UVJF will take place on August 1st and 2nd at STHALA UBUD in Ubud, offering two unforgettable nights of music. UVJF 2025 has been selected as one of the top ten national events of the year by the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, highlighting its influence and significance. The festival brings together top jazz musicians from around the world and receives support from various embassies, making it an important platform for international cultural exchange.

• 8/17: Indonesian Independence Day, also known as Indonesia’s National Day, is celebrated on August 17th each year. On this day, Indonesians hold various celebratory activities, including fun competitions, parades, concerts, and fireworks displays.

• The annual three-day festival at Tanah Lot Temple in Tabanan Regency from August 22-24. This festival features: Cultural Performances and Parades The festival includes various traditional performances such as Balinese dances, music shows, and culturally rich parades. Activities include the Baleganjur parade, coconut leaf weaving parade, and Balinese dance and rindik instrument parade. There’s a lively local market showcasing various handicrafts, with participation from small and medium enterprises in the Tabanan region promoting local specialty products. Food is also an essential part of the festival, where you can savor authentic Tabanan cuisine.

• On the 27th of this month, Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, the deity of prosperity and wisdom in Hinduism, highly revered by the people of Bali. This festival usually takes place in August or September each year, with the date determined by the Hindu calendar.

September

5th: Maulid Nabi Muhammad (Indonesian National Holiday)

22nd: Navaratri (Balinese Hindu Festival)

26th: Bali Carnival

TBD: Bali Rocking Blues Festival (Bali Event)

• Maulid Nabi Muhammad is an Islamic holiday celebrating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. This festival usually occurs on the 12th day of the third month (Rabi’ al-awwal) of the Islamic calendar, with the date determined by the Islamic calendar.
• The Navaratri festival begins on the 22nd (see 10/1)
• From September 26th to October 2nd, the most exciting event is the six-day ‘Bali Carnival’! This is an annual cultural festival in Bali. The festival is renowned for its vibrant South American carnival spirit and traditional Balinese dances, music, and art performances, attracting tourists from around the world. In recent years, more and more handsome men and beautiful women from abroad have joined the parade! Check out the official video here.

Bali Carnival

• The ‘Bali Rockin Blues Festival’, scheduled for September, is a spectacular music event blending rock and blues. Presented in a mixed ‘rockin’ format, it features performances by multiple artists showcasing rich musical energy and creativity. Besides heart-stirring music performances, the festival also includes a beachside food and beverage market, allowing participants to enjoy great music and food in Bali’s enchanting seaside environment. This event promises an unforgettable audiovisual feast for rock and blues enthusiasts and music lovers alike.

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October

1st: Dussehra (Balinese Hindu Festival)

7th: ‘Ocean Peace Day’ on Nusa Penida/Lembongan/Ceningan

October 20: Diwali (Bali Hindu Festival)

October 29: Ubud Writers and Readers Festival

• September 22: Navaratri is a Hindu festival celebrating the victory of Goddess Durga. This festival usually takes place in September or October each year and lasts for nine days, during which people engage in fasting, prayers, flower offerings, and dancing. The last day of Navaratri (October 1) is “Dussehra,” celebrating Prince Rama’s defeat of the demon king Ravana. This is also the story told in the Bali Fire Dance Performance!
• October 7: This day marks the “Ocean Day of Silence” for Bali’s three major islands. If you plan to travel between Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, or Nusa Ceningan, be aware that all ferry services will be suspended on this day. Make sure to plan accordingly! What is the “Ocean Day of Silence”? What should you know? Check out our explanation here.
• Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a Hindu celebration of light triumphing over darkness. This festival usually occurs in October or November, with the date determined by the Hindu calendar. In 2025, Diwali will be celebrated on October 20.
• October 29 to November 2: The Ubud Writers and Readers Festival will take place in Ubud. This is one of Indonesia’s largest international cultural events, bringing together top talents in literature, art, and culture.

November

November 19: Galungan & Kuningan

Starting on November 19, Galungan & Kuningan (also known as Galungan Festival and Kuningan Festival) will take place. This is the second occurrence of these festivals in 2025 and one of Bali’s most important celebrations. Galungan begins on November 19 and continues until Kuningan ten days later, celebrating the creation of the universe and the triumph of good over evil.

Many local guides and drivers take a few days off during major festivals, so it’s best to book in advance. The day after Galungan (Manis Galungan) is when locals visit family and friends or go out together, so you may find the roads particularly crowded. Large celebrations can also cause traffic congestion.

December

December 24: Indonesian Christmas Flexible Holiday

25th: Christmas (Indonesian National Holiday)

• December 25 is Christmas Day and a national holiday in Indonesia. For Christians, Christmas is an important festival, and Christians make up nearly 10% of Indonesia’s population. Since Christmas and New Year’s Day are close together, many Indonesians try to take time off to combine the two holidays into one long vacation. This gives them the opportunity to spend more time with family and friends and travel to other cities or countries. Indonesians have even coined the term “Nataru,” meaning “Christmas-New Year Holiday,” combining “Natal” (Christmas) and “tahun baru” (New Year) to represent this holiday.

Many Indonesians from other regions take advantage of the Christmas holiday to visit Bali.

Welcome to celebrate New Year’s in the Southern Hemisphere! But be prepared for large crowds!

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Above is the most complete list of festivals in Indonesia/Bali for 2025. Bali is a popular tourist destination, and during peak seasons, it can get very crowded. If you prefer to avoid large crowds, you can steer clear of the “Five Peak Tourist Seasons in Bali” we’ve highlighted. By combining this with some of Bali’s unique festivals mentioned above, plan your trip to Bali around these dates, and your vacation will be more diverse and exciting!

*The above dates are subject to official government announcements.

*Indonesian authorities have not yet announced the public holiday schedule. Please stay tuned for our updates!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Will Bali’s Nyepi Day affect tourism?

Yes, on Nyepi Day, all commercial activities and transportation come to a halt, including airport closures. Visitors must remain within their hotels, but this offers a unique opportunity to experience Balinese culture.

2. Do Bali’s festival events require tickets?

Most festival events are open to the public and free of charge, especially ceremonies held in temples. However, appropriate attire and etiquette must be observed when participating.

3. When is the best time to participate in Bali’s cultural festivals?

The best periods to experience multiple important festivals are from March to May and November to December, including Nyepi Day, Galungan, and Kuningan festivals.

4. How can I respectfully participate in Bali’s festivals?

It is recommended to wear traditional sarongs and sashes, and respect local customs and taboos to avoid inappropriate behavior.

5. Are Bali festivals suitable for families?

Absolutely! Many festivals not only expose children to different cultural atmospheres but also enhance family bonding through participation in festival activities. However, some ceremonies may last for extended periods, so families should plan their time wisely to prevent children from getting tired.

6. Do Bali festivals affect traffic?

Yes, especially during major festivals like Galungan or Kuningan, some streets may be temporarily closed for parades or events. It’s advisable to plan your itinerary in advance or opt for walking, which also allows for a closer view of the festivities.

7. Can I photograph local festival ceremonies?

Photography is generally allowed, but it’s best to ask locals or guides first as a sign of respect, particularly in temples or during traditional ceremonies. Some ritual occasions may have restrictions, so it’s polite to be respectful and cautious with your camera.

8. What special foods can I try during Bali festivals?

During festivals, visitors can enjoy many local traditional dishes such as Babi Guling (suckling pig) and Lawar (a mix of vegetables and meat). These dishes often carry cultural significance tied to festival rituals and are definitely worth trying.

9. How to avoid cultural conflicts during festivals?

Respecting local culture is crucial. Travelers are advised to familiarize themselves with festival-related taboos in advance, such as maintaining silence during Nyepi (Day of Silence) and avoiding photographing prohibited scenes. Observing local behavior and adapting accordingly is also recommended.

10. How do Bali’s festivals foster community bonds?

Festival activities are typically grand events for villages or communities, where residents come together to prepare and participate, strengthening emotional connections and enhancing community cohesion. Participating in these events not only offers cultural experiences but also allows travelers to feel the warmth and friendliness of local residents.

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