Just before the quietest day of the year in Bali comes the loudest one. The Pengrupukan Parade, held on the eve of Nyepi, offers locals not only a way to honor religious tradition, but also a chance to shout, laugh, and release their inner demons — alongside the monstrous ones they create.
In every village across the island, youth teams spend weeks — sometimes months — building their own Ogoh-Ogoh: towering demon-like effigies crafted with incredible attention to detail. These sculptures are more than just parade floats — they are works of art.
There is no single centralized parade in Bali. Instead, each village or town hosts its own performance, typically on major intersections that serve as open-air stages for the evening’s spectacle.
Though they don’t travel far, the Ogoh-Ogoh figures still need to be transported to their display locations. Balinese teams lift them onto large bamboo platforms, often solving tricky logistical puzzles along the way: how to avoid overhead wires and low-hanging tree branches while carrying giant demons down narrow streets.
The parades may cause traffic jams, but the electric feeling in the air more than makes up for it.
The larger the town, the more spectacular the Ogoh-Ogoh — and the more elaborate the accompanying performances, often enhanced with sound effects, lighting, and fire.
Denpasar and Ubud host the most vibrant and theatrical processions on the island.
For participants, the Ogoh-Ogoh parade is also a competition. Sculptures are judged, and pride is on the line, adding a healthy dose of excitement and friendly rivalry.
This is the one day of the year when the most people take to the streets of Bali, yet everyone seems to find a place.
There are no fences or barriers between the performers and the crowd — on the contrary, spectators are encouraged to come as close as they like.
Those who manage to find a spot near the temples often get the best views.
The parade isn’t just about the Ogoh-Ogoh themselves. Many performances also include actors in full costume, adding drama and mythology to the experience.
The entire event can last for several hours — a challenge for those standing in packed crowds. Thankfully, there’s another way to enjoy it: by watching from the sidelines, where teams prepare their sculptures before taking the stage.
This year, the weather was kind — cloudy, not too hot, and despite ominous forecasts from local meteorologists, the rain never came.
And after a celebration this big, it doesn’t feel so bad to spend the next day in complete silence — resting, reflecting, and recharging your spirit.
You can add one right now!