Tourism Minister Launches 37th Bali Arts Festival`s Parade

Denpasar, Bali (Antara Bali) -- Tourism Minister Arief Yahya launched the opening parade of the 37th Bali Arts Festival before the Bajra Sandhi Monument in Renon, Bali province, on Saturday.

Flanked by Governor of Bali Made Mangku Pastika, the minister beat the gong thrice at 2:00 p.m. local time to symbolically see off the participants of the parade.

This was the first time in the last decade that the parade of the Bali Arts Festival (PKB) was released by a minister.

Moreover, Pastika said in his address that the event was aimed at launching the Bali Arts Festival, which represents the wealth and uniqueness of the Balinese culture.

In addition, artists from Timor-Leste and India took part in the parade marking the opening of the 37th Bali Arts Festival.

In the parade, the Timor-Leste art delegation presented four dances and a group performance singing a special, traditional song typical of the neighboring country.

Thousands of spectators lined up along the route enthusiastically applauded their performances.

Following the Timor-Leste delegation`s presentation, Vadya Vrinda Orchestra of the Indian art troupe played a rare traditional musical instrument.

Art delegations from other regions in the country, such as East Nusa Tenggara, Lampung, Bantul district in Yogyakarta and Blitar district in East Java, also highlighted the event.

Nine districts/cities in Bali also sent their representatives to participate in the parade. (WDY)