Ngembak Geni Day – April 1
Held in connection with and following “Nyepi,” the Balinese New Year day of solemnity and quietness – Ngemback Geni Day is a happier event, with the island coming back to life. Involving maidens and bachelors of the villages to strengthen brotherhood and understanding among the young – the day’s celebrations are started with prayer at the local temples, and proceed with group members hugging one another while getting thoroughly soaked by water. It is always a cheerful moment for all, and usually held around 3pm. And while it may not be any celebrated national holiday here or have any connection with Balinese tradition – those westerners who can’t help but share some laughter and jokes with their friends and family may choose to play around a bit in their own celebrations of the classic “April Fool’s Day.”
Held in connection with and following “Nyepi,” the Balinese New Year day of solemnity and quietness – Ngemback Geni Day is a happier event, with the island coming back to life. Involving maidens and bachelors of the villages to strengthen brotherhood and understanding among the young – the day’s celebrations are started with prayer at the local temples, and proceed with group members hugging one another while getting thoroughly soaked by water. It is always a cheerful moment for all, and usually held around 3pm. And while it may not be any celebrated national holiday here or have any connection with Balinese tradition – those westerners who can’t help but share some laughter and jokes with their friends and family may choose to play around a bit in their own celebrations of the classic “April Fool’s Day.”
General Election – April 9
It is voting time for Indonesia! Time to put the power of democracy to the test, as the 2014 Indonesian election will be held to elect members of both national and regional legislatures. 46 parties have registered to take part, while only 15 parties pass the requirements set by the General Elections Commision – including representation in every province of Indonesia, with a minimum of 30 percent female membership. Expect much excitement, heat, and passion in the air as locals take to the voting booths to choose who shall take the political lead.
It is voting time for Indonesia! Time to put the power of democracy to the test, as the 2014 Indonesian election will be held to elect members of both national and regional legislatures. 46 parties have registered to take part, while only 15 parties pass the requirements set by the General Elections Commision – including representation in every province of Indonesia, with a minimum of 30 percent female membership. Expect much excitement, heat, and passion in the air as locals take to the voting booths to choose who shall take the political lead.
Full Moon – April 14
If you’re one of those who tend to get a bit luny when the full moon comes, prepare to lock yourself in the house – or head out for some brightly-lit adventure. Fancy a full moon party? They may not be as big as the legendary Koh Phangan in Thailand, but you can get down and boogie on the beach at Padang Padang late into the night. Prefer a more wholesome experience? Head to Pura Tirtha Empul during the day, where you will find and can join in with many Balinese performing purification rituals in the holy springs.The majority of Bali’s 4,000,000 people live, for the most part, in tight village communities with large extended families. The largest towns are Denpasar (the capital) and Singaraja in the north. The main tourist area stretches from Kuta to Seminyak. Kuta became a major attraction during the tourist boom of the 70’s because of its famous white-sand beaches, the surf, and stunning sunsets.
If you’re one of those who tend to get a bit luny when the full moon comes, prepare to lock yourself in the house – or head out for some brightly-lit adventure. Fancy a full moon party? They may not be as big as the legendary Koh Phangan in Thailand, but you can get down and boogie on the beach at Padang Padang late into the night. Prefer a more wholesome experience? Head to Pura Tirtha Empul during the day, where you will find and can join in with many Balinese performing purification rituals in the holy springs.The majority of Bali’s 4,000,000 people live, for the most part, in tight village communities with large extended families. The largest towns are Denpasar (the capital) and Singaraja in the north. The main tourist area stretches from Kuta to Seminyak. Kuta became a major attraction during the tourist boom of the 70’s because of its famous white-sand beaches, the surf, and stunning sunsets.
Good Friday – April 18
Indonesia may not be a predominantly Christian country, but regardless of religion, Good Friday is an important day throughout the world for followers of the Christian faith. The holiday may not be the happiest of days, being the mark of the day Jesus was crucified, but is an important reminder for Christians to celebrate and honour their beliefs of the meaning of Jesus’ death. Many Christian churches celebrate Good Friday with a subdued service, usually in the evening, where Christ’s death is remembered with solemn hymns, prayers of thanksgiving, a message centered on Christ suffering for our sakes, and observance of the Lord’s Supper. Whether or not Christians choose to “celebrate” Good Friday, the day’s events ever remain a monumental anniversary for Christians everywhere, with the death of Christ on the cross being the paramount event of the Christian faith.
Indonesia may not be a predominantly Christian country, but regardless of religion, Good Friday is an important day throughout the world for followers of the Christian faith. The holiday may not be the happiest of days, being the mark of the day Jesus was crucified, but is an important reminder for Christians to celebrate and honour their beliefs of the meaning of Jesus’ death. Many Christian churches celebrate Good Friday with a subdued service, usually in the evening, where Christ’s death is remembered with solemn hymns, prayers of thanksgiving, a message centered on Christ suffering for our sakes, and observance of the Lord’s Supper. Whether or not Christians choose to “celebrate” Good Friday, the day’s events ever remain a monumental anniversary for Christians everywhere, with the death of Christ on the cross being the paramount event of the Christian faith.
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