From April 28 to May 1, the 7th annual Semarapura Festival takes place in Taman Kota, one of the largest cultural events in eastern Bali. This is not just a celebration: the festival immerses visitors in the region's heroic past and introduces them to its rich artistic heritage.
The festival is dedicated to the memory of the Klungkung Puputan of 1908, a dramatic chapter in Bali's history. During those years, ruler Dewa Agung Jambe II and the people of the kingdom refused to surrender to Dutch colonizers and chose the path of puputan — collective self-sacrifice for honor. This tragic but inspiring act still symbolizes the indomitable spirit of the Balinese and their love for freedom.
This story comes alive at the festival. Theatrical reconstructions, exhibitions, and stories from descendants all help convey how past events continue to shape Balinese identity.
This year's festival opened with a grand performance of Rejang Taksu Buana, featuring 500 dancers, mostly teachers from Klungkung schools. This sacred dance symbolizes the descent of the gods to earth and includes philosophical elements of Balinese cosmology: circle, square, and triangle.
The official opening was accompanied by the symbolic ritual 'Gandewa Buncah Ambuning Tawang' — shooting arrows into the sky from the sacred Gandewa bow. This gesture marked the start of the celebration and embodied the festival's main theme: 'Nayaka Maetala Udaya' — 'The Awakening of the Ancestral Land in the Hands of a Wise Leader.'
Every evening, captivating performances take place on the festival's main stage, including the Baris dance, a warrior ritual dance symbolizing courage and fighting spirit; the sacred masked dance Topeng Sidakarya, bringing purification and harmony; and the Gamelan Semar Pagulingan, an orchestra of traditional bronze instruments.
Festival guests will also enjoy visiting the large-scale exhibition 'Puputan Through the Eyes of Descendants.' The installation is dedicated to the events of 1908 and displays replicas of weapons and royal regalia, photos and letters from colonial archives, and audiovisual stands with stories from historians and descendants of heroes. The exhibition offers a view of the Puputan not only as a local event but also as a significant stage in Indonesia's struggle for independence.
Additionally, everyone can try their hand at Balinese crafts. The festival hosts workshops on creating Canang Sari — religious offerings made from leaves and flowers, Klungkung-style wood carving, and batik painting using natural dyes.
In the culinary zones, guests can enjoy dishes of traditional Balinese cuisine. This year, organizers have prepared 82 culinary and 40 craft stands. There are also culinary demonstrations where chefs share recipes passed down through generations.
The Semarapura-2025 Festival is part of the national Karisma Event Nusantara program, curated by Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism. Organizers expect to attract up to 20,000 visitors and achieve a turnover of 10 billion rupiah.
The festival is open to all, with free admission. It's a great opportunity to experience Balinese culture, try local delicacies, participate in workshops, and enjoy performances by the island's finest artists.
Source: nusabali
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