EYEWITNESS NEWS – BADUNG
3 November.2026
As a cultural tourism destination committed to preserving and promoting Bali’s rich traditions, GWK Cultural Park is once again holding the Penjor Festival 2026 from November 5–8, 2026, at the Lotus Pond area of GWK Cultural Park. Entering its fourth year since its inception in 2023, this year’s festival carries the theme “Pesta Rasa dalam Balutan Seni dan Budaya” (A Feast of Flavors Wrapped in Art and Culture), featuring a blend of tradition, art, culinary delights, music, and local creativity.
This year, visitors can enjoy a series of activities in the Lotus Pond area completely free of charge without needing to purchase a GWK Cultural Park regular admission ticket. Meanwhile, access to other areas, including Festival Park and the GWK Statue, remains subject to standard applicable ticketing regulations.
A row of majestic penjors will adorn the Lotus Pond area throughout the Penjor Festival 2026, bringing an authentic Balinese ambiance closely tied to the Galungan holy day celebration. The presence of these penjors serves not only as a decorative element beautifying the festival grounds but also as a form of appreciation for tradition and an effort to ensure the continuity of Bali’s cultural heritage.
This preservation spirit is further embodied through the Mini Penjor Competition, supported by the Badung Regency Tourism and Creative Economy Office (Ekraf). This competition provides a platform for the community to express creativity while introducing penjor traditions to the younger generation. Additionally, the Penjor Workshop offers participants an opportunity to gain a closer look at the penjor making process and understand the cultural values embedded within it.
The Penjor Festival 2026 also features a bazaar connecting visitors with local MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) through a variety of culinary products, decorations, handicrafts, and other creative goods. This bazaar serves as a vital opportunity for the public to get closer to local works and products while providing inspiration and accessories needed to welcome Galungan Day.
Aside from the bazaar, a diverse lineup of arts and cultural activities will enliven the festival, including the LPM Desa Ungasan Dance Competition, which brings together participants from various banjars (traditional community hamlets). The festival stage will also showcase performances from community groups and music schools, such as Joyful Music Bali, Debeat Music Course, Cressendo, and Komunitas Seni Dana Swara. Visitors can also engage directly in various interactive activities, ranging from learning Balinese script (aksara Bali) and writing on palm leaves (lontar), to participating in batik-making workshops.
“For the people of Bali, a penjor is far more than mere decoration; it is a profound element of tradition laden with meaning. The tall bamboo poles adorned with young coconut leaves (janur) and earth’s harvest symbolize gratitude, the victory of dharma (virtue) over adharma (vice), and represent Mount Agung and Naga Basuki. Through the Penjor Festival 2026, we aim to provide a space for the community to recognize, appreciate, and help preserve these cultural values. As a cultural park, GWK Cultural Park hopes this festival will not only serve as a celebration of Balinese art and tradition, but also act as a collaborative hub that delivers positive impacts for local businesses, communities, and artists, while driving economic growth and community creativity,” said Ch. Rossie Andriani, Operational Director of GWK Cultural Park.
The festival atmosphere will be further energized by prominent Balinese musicians ready to entertain visitors, including Tika Pagraky, Nanoe Biroe, Ary Kencana feat. Neli Ambarawati, and Leeyonk Sinatra. The fusion of musical performances, cultural activities, bazaars, and interactive programs establishes Penjor Festival 2026 as a community gathering space to celebrate tradition while enjoying local creativity in an inclusive atmosphere filled with togetherness.
GWK Cultural Park invites business owners, communities, and stakeholders interested in collaborating to become a part of Penjor Festival 2026. Further information regarding tenant participation, collaborations, and the Mini Penjor Competition can be obtained from the GWK Event team via WhatsApp at 0813-2575-1994. The latest updates regarding the festival and schedule of activities can also be followed via Instagram at @gwkevent.
Reporter : Daniel Herry
