Bali's Ogoh-Ogoh Parades 2025: What You Need to Know

Imagine standing in a crowd buzzing with excitement, surrounded by locals and tourists, all craning their necks to catch a glimpse of towering demon statues parading through the streets. This is Bali’s Ogoh-Ogoh parade, a massive celebration the night before Nyepi, Bali’s famous Day of Silence. If you’ve never heard of it, you’re in for a wild ride. I had the chance to experience this unforgettable festival firsthand, and let me tell you, it’s like nothing else. Part art, part ritual, and all chaos—Ogoh-Ogoh is a spectacle you don’t want to miss.
In 2025, Nyepi Day will take place from Monday, March 29, 2025, at 6:00 AM to Tuesday, March 30, 2025, at 6:00 AM. The date is determined by the Balinese Saka calendar, which operates on a lunar cycle and is 78 years behind the Gregorian calendar.

The Heart of the Ogoh-Ogoh Tradition

So, what exactly is Ogoh-Ogoh? These towering, larger-than-life statues are crafted to represent evil spirits or demons, called bhutas and kala in Balinese Hinduism. The purpose of the Ogoh-Ogoh is to chase away these evil entities before Nyepi, the Balinese New Year, to purify the island for the day of silence and reflection to come.

While the Ogoh-Ogoh tradition may feel ancient, it actually started in the 1980s, but its roots tie deeply into Hindu-Balinese spiritual beliefs. In just a few decades, it’s become an iconic part of Bali’s New Year celebrations. The statues are now much more elaborate and artistic, often incorporating modern influences like pop culture characters or even political satire. During my visit, I saw an Ogoh-Ogoh that looked strikingly like a Balinese version of a Marvel superhero—proof that tradition and contemporary culture can merge in fascinating ways.

The Ogoh-Ogoh festival, held on the evening before Nyepi, is essentially a battle between good and evil, with the effigies symbolizing the chaos and negativity that must be driven away for a fresh, peaceful start to the new year.

The Build-Up: Months of Preparation

Creating these Ogoh-Ogoh effigies is no easy task. Communities across Bali spend months building them, turning the preparation into a true team effort. Each village creates its own statue, with artists, craftsmen, and even local kids pitching in. The materials—bamboo, wood, papier-mâché, and paint—come together to form these intricate, fearsome demons. It’s incredible to see how much passion and effort go into every detail, from the menacing fangs to the elaborate horns.

One of the highlights of my trip was visiting a village workshop a few days before the festival. Walking into the workspace felt like stepping into a fantasy world. The half-finished statues loomed over us, their grotesque faces in various stages of completion. Artisans bustled around, adding the final touches to each creature. Seeing the work up close gave me a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship involved. Even in the early stages, it was clear these weren’t just statues—they were cultural symbols, deeply tied to the island’s spiritual practices.

Some of the Ogoh-Ogoh statues are huge—towering over the crowds at more than 25 feet tall—while others are smaller, but all are crafted with painstaking detail. It was fascinating to learn that the designs vary from village to village. Some are more traditional, featuring the iconic demon faces and snarling expressions, while others veer into the whimsical or even comical, like caricatures of politicians or famous figures.

Parade Night: What to Expect

On the night of the parade, Bali’s streets are transformed into a colorful, chaotic scene. As the sun begins to set, you can feel the energy in the air change. The Ogoh-Ogoh statues, mounted onto platforms, are carried through the streets by teams of men from the local village, known as sekaa teruna. The parade is loud—there’s a constant hum of gongs, drums, and firecrackers, creating a kind of controlled madness that feels infectious. The excitement of the crowd builds with every step.

I remember standing among the crowd, overwhelmed by the sheer size of the statues. The Ogoh-Ogoh loomed above us, swaying as their carriers struggled under the weight. It felt like the demons were truly coming to life, moving through the streets with a strange, otherworldly energy. The effigies were jerked and spun around, mimicking the spirits they represent, while people shouted, laughed, and scattered as one of the statues lunged toward the crowd. It was both thrilling and a little terrifying!

Suddenly, the effigies began to converge at key intersections, where they were spun and tossed, confusing the spirits and ensuring they would leave the island. The intensity of the whole scene was unlike anything I’d experienced—a mix of fear, excitement, and awe. The air was thick with incense, and the pounding drums seemed to echo through your chest. Watching the massive demons whirl and teeter through the streets, you couldn’t help but feel a part of something ancient and deeply spiritual, even though the tradition itself isn’t that old.

The Feast Before the Silence: Special Food to Eat During the Ogoh-Ogoh Festival

Like any good festival, food plays a big role in the Ogoh-Ogoh celebration. Before Nyepi’s day of fasting and reflection, locals gather to share traditional meals, many of which are tied to the cleansing and purifying themes of the festival. Street vendors pop up all over Bali, offering delicious bites that enhance the sensory overload of the parade.

One dish you simply must try during the Ogoh-Ogoh festival is lawar. Lawar is a mix of vegetables, grated coconut, and minced meat, often seasoned with spices and sometimes even blood. Don’t let that scare you off—it’s incredibly flavorful and a staple during the festival season. Depending on where you are, you might find pork lawar or lawar ayam (chicken), each with its own unique twist.

Another crowd favorite is babi guling, Bali’s famous suckling pig. Roasted to crispy perfection and stuffed with fragrant herbs like lemongrass, turmeric, and garlic, babi guling is the ultimate street food snack to enjoy while you watch the parade. I vividly remember biting into a piece as one of the demon statues swayed past me—it was a surreal, delicious moment I’ll never forget.

For those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss klepon, glutinous rice balls filled with molten palm sugar and rolled in grated coconut. As I bit into one, the warm, sticky sugar oozed out, making for a perfect balance to the intense flavors of the savory dishes.

For those dining with locals, ceremonial foods like nasi tumpeng—a cone-shaped rice dish—might also make an appearance, usually after temple offerings. Balinese families prepare these dishes to share with family members after the spiritual offerings are made, reinforcing the strong sense of community during this time.

The Spiritual Cleansing Before the Day of Silence

As the night progresses and the Ogoh-Ogoh statues complete their journey, the festivities culminate in one final act: the burning of the statues. This ritual symbolizes the purification of the island. As the giant effigies go up in flames, the Balinese believe that the evil spirits and negative energies are burned away, leaving the island cleansed and ready for the peace of Nyepi.

I stood with the crowd, feeling the heat of the flames as the statues turned to ash. Watching the intricate, hand-crafted demons burn was oddly mesmerizing. It felt like all the chaos and energy of the day was being released into the fire, leaving a sense of calm in its wake. It’s a deeply symbolic moment—one that marks the end of the noise and the beginning of a new, purified state for the island.

The sound of crackling fire and the sight of those towering figures being consumed by flames made me reflect on the balance between chaos and order that Bali embraces so beautifully. After all the noise and excitement, the island was now ready for the quiet reflection that Nyepi demands.

Nyepi: The Day After the Chaos

The day after the Ogoh-Ogoh parade, Bali plunges into silence for Nyepi, a 24-hour period of reflection, fasting, and meditation. The entire island shuts down. No flights, no cars on the streets, no electricity in many homes. For the Balinese, it’s a day to look inward, seek peace, and reflect on the year ahead.

As a visitor, Nyepi is a unique experience. I remember waking up to absolute silence—no motorbikes, no chatter, no music, just the sounds of nature. While you’re expected to stay inside and keep things quiet, hotels often provide activities like yoga, meditation, or silent meals. I spent the day reading, journaling, and soaking in the rare calm that enveloped the usually bustling island. It was a surreal contrast to the chaos of the night before, but that’s the beauty of it—Ogoh-Ogoh and Nyepi balance each other out perfectly.

It’s important to note that as a visitor, you’re expected to follow the Nyepi rules. This means staying within your hotel or guesthouse and keeping noise and light to a minimum. Trust me, you won’t miss the hustle and bustle. The peacefulness of Nyepi offers a rare opportunity to reflect and reset—something that’s hard to come by in today’s fast-paced world.

Tips for Experiencing the Ogoh-Ogoh Parade Like a Pro

To get the most out of your Ogoh-Ogoh experience, here are a few tips from my own adventure:

1. Arrive early: The best spots to view the parade fill up quickly, especially in popular areas like Ubud or Denpasar. Get there at least an hour before sunset to secure your spot.
2. Bring earplugs: The parade is loud—firecrackers, drums, and gongs create a sensory overload. Earplugs can help tone down the noise, especially if you're sensitive to loud sounds.
3. Stay hydrated: It’s easy to get dehydrated while standing in the heat for hours. Bring water with you and snack on some street food to keep your energy up.
4. Respect the ritual: Remember, this is a deeply spiritual event for the Balinese. While the festival is vibrant and chaotic, it’s still rooted in religious tradition. Be respectful of local customs and don’t disrupt the procession.
5. Stick around for Nyepi: If you can, plan to stay for Nyepi. Experiencing the quiet day after the wildness of Ogoh-Ogoh offers a perspective on Bali’s spiritual balance that few tourists get to see.

Why You'll Love It

The Ogoh-Ogoh parade isn’t just a visual feast—it’s a powerful, immersive experience that will give you a deeper understanding of Balinese culture and spirituality. From the artistry of the statues to the intense energy of the parade and the silence that follows on Nyepi, it’s an event that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.