Labor Day 2020

Labor Day is a holiday every 1st of May in Indonesia to celebrate the contributions of workers to the nation’s economy. It draws attention to the workers’ rights that have been gained so far – and those that are still being fought for. This holiday is most commonly associated as a commemoration of the achievements of the labor movement. The holiday may also be known as International Worker's Day or May Day and is marked with a public holiday in over 80 countries. In 1920, the Indonesian people celebrated International Labor Day for the first time to support their desire for expanded workers’ rights and higher pay. While International Labor Day was not a public holiday during this period, it was still very important to the growing working class in Indonesia. The largest Labor Day event in Indonesia is the famous Workers’ March. Each year, huge crowds gather in the capital Jakarta to march to the Presidential Palace. People who participate in the Workers’ March often wear the uniform of their Labor union. Flags and banners are also very common, and theatrical protests about labor issues are also a common sight. It is estimated that in 2019 a total of 3 million Indonesian workers went on the streets, across the country, to demonstrate.

When        :  01. May 2020
Where       :  All over Indonesia
 

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Vesak Day, Buddhist Year 2564

Vesak Day is also known as Wesak Day/ Buddha Purnima/ Buddha's Birthday is a major Buddhist festival celebrated by all the Buddhists throughout the world, with great ceremonial rituals. This day actually memorializes the birth, enlightenment and passing away of the Lord Gautama Buddha. All Buddhist temples in Bali are decorated with flags & flowers and devotees are expected to assemble in temples before dawn. The ceremonial rituals like hoisting the Buddhist flag and the bathing of the Lord Buddha are done with monks chanting the hymns of the holy triple gem: The Buddha, The Dharma, and The Sangha. During the evening, various candlelight processions are organized in the streets. Normally, this would be a good opportunity to visit the big temples like Satya Darma in Benoa or Buddha Sakyamuni Monastery in Denpasar. This year the celebrations should be done at home.

When       :  07. May 2019
Where      :  Buddhist temples all over the island                                                                                                                                                                   

 

Tumpek Kandang - Animal Worship Festival

All of God’s creatures and especially household animals in Bali will receive extra honor when local Hindus celebrate Tumpek Kandang Day, a ceremony dedicated to Sang Hyang Rare-Angon, master of all cattle and livestock. The day is celebrated by giving these animals extra love and attention, the best food, prayers and offerings. It is not uncommon to see some of the cows bathing or even pigs getting “dressed up” by their owners. Take note that this is not a form of animal worship: the local Balinese see the celebrations as a way to appreciate the gods for the work done by these animals as well as the provision of food resources.

When       :  09. May 2020
Where      :  Throughout Bali. Ceremonies are held at temples and villages around the island.
Why not   :  donate to some of Bali´s well-known animal projects

 

Idul Fitri

The Idul Fitri, also known as Lebaran, marks the end of the fasting in the holy month of Ramadan. For Muslims around the world, it is also the time of the year to trek home to their villages and celebrate with family and friends. It is a very popular holiday in Bali as many Muslims from the other Indonesian islands work and live here, so during a normal year be prepared for the exodus: increased traffic on the roads and a week-long closure of popular businesses and restaurants and all schools. This year might be slightly different as the government asked the people to stay where they are and to postpone their travel. This is to respect the elder ones and keep the families in secluded areas safe. In Bali, you will be able to experience a wonderful celebration with the local Muslim community and their delicious treats. Most families are having an ‘open house’ for all family and friends to come and join with only the best dishes to be served.

When      :   24- 25 May 2020
Where     :   All over Indonesia
Why not  :  donate to some of Bali´s well-known community projects     

                                                                                            

What weather to expect when traveling to Bali in May

The weather in Bali in May is typified by sunnier days than the preceding months and marks the start of the dry season in Bali with an average temperature of 27.3 degrees Celsius and a low average rainfall of 76mm. Most will find the weather in May superb for sightseeing and outdoor photography and other outdoor activities. As the government extended the Stay-at-home rule till the end of May we also recommend passing on traveling. You will find a lot of helpful suggestions for the time when Bali is completely open to visitors from all over the world again here on BaliSpirit: Discover the finest yoga studios, retreats, and teacher training courses in Bali. Find out more about Balinese culture, upcoming events, and be part of the largest online and offline yoga and wellness community in Bali and Indonesia.