Welcome to the largest kite festival in Bali!
to the signal, as if called, in early July the trade winds arrive.
One day it is over and the breezes of spring suddenly; trade winds came!
The trade winds term derives from "trade" of Middle English word meaning path or track. The first Portuguese sailors in the 14th century first recognized the importance of these winds east / west to quickly get their boats riches of the East. However, for the Balinese these winds mean it's time to earn respect, prestige and hopefully bring prices at home in their villages.
The morning breezes are gentle, but by mid-afternoon, the wind speed is just across the island to launch kites fill the sky until the end of September. July is the month when the kite flyers enjoy the wind to show their latest creations and flying techniques. A fashion show, it is not.
Legend has it that the kite began with breeders of cows there two centuries, building and flying kites to ward off the boredom of watching over the flock during the day. Thus evolved a "game" competition between pastoralists has now become an obsession that consumes and unites the villagers just across the island.
Serious?
How serious is this? Mr. Tambon eminent kite maker and judge of Bali at the annual festival was unavailable for an interview because, although he was out flying a kite. But Wayan, the kite seller faithful on the beach in Sanur was happy to talk to me and take me by the complex business of preparing a kite for the festival at the end of July.
There are three basic forms that you will see soaring above the beaches of Sanur and Denpasar through the heavens. The Bebean is perhaps the most common, and looks like a fish with huge twin tails. These are the easiest kites to launch as they do, even in the slightest breeze. They can navigate to great heights that shape makes them stable, even in the strongest winds. Their black, white and distinctive red color are easy to spot among the other kites, dotting the sky.
Once the competition starts, the judges show no mercy, because woe to a team that allows any part of the wing to touch the ground on landing. A large part of the entourage that may beating Jangaan are assigned to catch the tail on landing.
During the practice I have seen members of the team (some 50 or 60) strong sprinting wildly through the sand and adjacent rice fields, diving on the other to ensure that not an inch of the beast hit the ground. Sometimes a beautiful mistress is difficult to control! Competition is fierce, pitting against banjar banjar status to take the trophy that will bring value bragging rights for the winning team of a year.
Once the festival begins, the gamelan orchestra of the village with the team and frantically bash during the competition, training participants to larger "heights". The festival will make for an incredibly noisy and chaotic day with a cacophony of sounds and hundreds of team members rushing to and fro, his head looking at the sky and often collide with other members of the team.
The crowd surround the "battlefield" reveling in the success of their banjars or other failure, but in the Balinese spirit of giving.
For the more intrepid of banjars that break with tradition will enter the fourth grade, Kreasi Baru or "new creation", where basically anything goes as long as he gets up 'to the desired height. Designs range from old sailing ships to replicas of the temple that sometimes defy aeronautical practices, with design triumph the pursuit of building off the ground and in the air. Points are earned for innovation, design and the ability to stay in the air!
The festival takes place over three days and should not be missed. It is best to arrive early with the teams, whole villages accompany their competitors to encourage them. It's crowded, colorful, chaotic and noisy and one of these events that will be remembered for years to come.
Do not miss it! The 35th annual Festival Kite Bali, Padang Galak, Sanur Beach. Runs from 21st to 24th July 2013.