Medewi, a serene coastal village in West Bali’s Jembrana Regency, comes alive throughout the year with colorful festivals that weave together faith, community, and the natural rhythm of island life.
Each celebration here reflects a deep connection between the people, their land, and the ocean — transforming this quiet surf town into a living stage of music, movement, and meaningful rituals.
From buffalo races that rumble through emerald rice fields to beachside ceremonies shimmering under the sunset, Medewi’s festivals are more than spectacles they are a heartfelt tribute to tradition, togetherness, and healthy living through locally grown ingredients and mindful celebration.
Makepung Buffalo Races
Between July and November, the fertile fields around Medewi turn into racing tracks for Makepung, Bali’s legendary buffalo races.
Farmers decorate their prized animals with painted horns and gold-threaded harnesses, turning the event into a visual feast of color and culture.
The races aren’t just for fun they’re a form of gratitude for a good harvest and a symbol of harmony between humans and nature.
Spectators gather along the muddy tracks, cheering as the buffaloes thunder past, while local vendors serve lawar and urap, traditional dishes rich in fiber and antioxidants from coconut, turmeric, and chili.
Visitors can join in the excitement early in the morning, watch the blessing ceremonies for the buffaloes, and enjoy hearty farm-style meals afterward the perfect balance of cultural immersion and nutritious local dining.
Galungan and Kuningan
Every 210 days, the sacred celebration of Galungan and Kuningan sweeps across Bali and Medewi joins in with heartfelt devotion.
Villagers adorn streets with penjor, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Families gather at temples like Pura Rambut Siwi to offer prayers and share meals that unite both faith and nourishment.
The festivities feature dishes like ayam betutu, a slow-cooked chicken marinated in base genep spices — a mix of shallots, garlic, and ginger known for their immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.
As the scent of incense mingles with ocean breeze, Galungan becomes not just a religious celebration but a reminder to live mindfully, eat wholesomely, and cherish harmony with others.
Nyepi: The Day of Silence
As the Balinese New Year approaches, Medewi transforms through Nyepi, the island’s day of silence and self-reflection.
On the eve of Nyepi, enormous ogoh-ogoh statues representing negativity are paraded and burned in fiery processions, cleansing the air and spirit.
When silence falls the next day, no lights or sounds disturb the peace. The beaches are empty, and the stars shine brighter than ever.
Locals spend the day meditating, resting, and sharing simple meals of nasi kuning (turmeric rice) and steamed vegetables nourishing the body while calming the mind.
For travelers, Nyepi offers a rare opportunity to truly unplug and experience Bali’s stillness a spiritual detox that recharges body and soul.
Melasti Beach Purification
Just before Nyepi, villagers gather along Medewi’s shoreline for Melasti, a purification ritual that honors the ocean as the source of life.
The procession, led by priests and families dressed in white, carries colorful offerings of fruits and flowers to the sea.
As waves wash over the crowd, the ritual symbolizes cleansing of both spirit and nature.
Afterward, families enjoy shared meals of pepes ikan (steamed fish in banana leaves) and urap sayur — a fiber-rich vegetable salad with grated coconut that supports gut health and energy.
The combination of ritual, movement, and nutrient-dense food perfectly reflects the essence of Balinese wellness — balance in every sense.
Tumpek Kandang: Day of Gratitude for Animals
Every 210 days, the Balinese calendar celebrates Tumpek Kandang, a day devoted to animals.
In Medewi, farmers bless their buffaloes and chickens with flower garlands and turmeric water, thanking them for their service to the land.
The day feels serene and communal. Families gather for prayers, gamelan music fills the air, and vegetarian dishes like tempeh satay and jackfruit curry are served both rich in plant-based protein and probiotics for digestive health.
Visitors are welcome to join the ceremonies or simply stroll through the rice fields, where the aroma of earth and flowers brings calm and renewal — a living meditation surrounded by nature’s abundance.
Jembrana Cultural Parade
Each September, Medewi takes part in the grand Jembrana Cultural Parade — a dazzling display of music, art, and tradition.
Villages showcase floats decorated with tropical fruits, woven crafts, and local produce like cloves and coffee. Youth groups march proudly alongside jegog bamboo orchestras, filling the streets with sound and energy.
The event concludes with community feasts featuring rendang tempeh and tropical fruits like mango and banana naturally rich in vitamins and quick energy after hours of dancing.
It’s a joyful reminder that celebration in Bali always comes with nourishment, connection, and gratitude.
A Living Celebration of Wellness and Culture
Every Medewi festival, whether grand or intimate, reflects a shared rhythm honoring life, nature, and togetherness.
These traditions invite both locals and visitors to live slowly, eat mindfully, and celebrate in harmony with the world around them.
And when the day’s rituals fade into the sound of the waves, there’s no better way to end your experience than with a wholesome meal crafted from Bali’s freshest ingredients a perfect reflection of the island’s pure spirit.
Avocado Resto in Medewi captures this very essence through its thoughtful dishes from crispy gurame and fresh tropical salads to energy-boosting smoothies and nourishing chia puddings.
Each plate celebrates the same balance and vitality found in Medewi’s festivals, inviting you to savor Bali’s soulful harmony one delicious bite at a time.