The New Year eve in Denpasar was celebrated by fireworks party along Jl. Cok Agung Tresna in Renon (the area of government’s offices), Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai, Jl. Diponegoro, Jl. Gajah Mada (Jl. = street) and in some houses in Denpasar. The sound and the beauty of the launched fireworks created a cheerful atmosphere and made the traffic became a joyful thing to feel. Even though there was no special place and time to shoot the fireworks but it was done by everyone from their house, school, office, street, and etc.

This year, the New Year celebration in Denpasar is simpler than last year. No music performance in open space except in Art Centre Bali, no many artists, alias special occasion for gathering people to celebrate the coming year. But the condition did not abolish the togetherness with family or friends. The fireworks party became another pleasure to celebrate the New Year eve.

The fireworks party indirectly became a medium to build the unity among people. When a group of people played with it alongside the street, some other people who were not belong to the group were getting closer to watch and clap their hands as they enjoyed the fireworks show. Then they were having a chat each other. Balinese, Javanese, American, Australian, Japanese, Indians, no matter where they come from, all were having great time. No hatred, no mistrust but cheer and joy.

There is going to be a 5000 man Kecak at Tanah Lot on September 29^th. It is being performed and produced by folks in Tabanan. They are going to spend close to US $100,000 on this as part of BALI RECOVERY. I won’t comment on that, but if you’re on the island, it should be quite a spectacle! Not sure of the time, but I assume it’s dusk onwards….

(more…)