Bali gears up for month long Kuta Karnival

A week-long Surfing Legends competition will be among numerous highlights during a month of fun in the sun at Bali's first Kuta Karnival, September 11 to October 12. Kuta Small Business Association (KSBA) is compiling an island-wide calendar of events, focusing along the famed "sunset beach", Kuta. Activities are expected to draw national and international talent, sports stars and entertainers.

X-treme sport events include skateboarding competitions and a "Paddle for Peace" challenge from Jimbaran to Kuta, along with competitive team beach sports, surf life saving, surfing and body boarding and speed climbing. Sport tournament activities will include international Rugby Union, Aussie  Rules and Women's International Tennis tournaments, along with World Boxing Association exhibitions. Beach volleyball and soccer events are open to local and international teams and weekly Hash House Harriers running events, a Rock & Run race is also on the agenda.

"Soulflip" is among bands and entertainers booked by event organizers for the stage. Food festivals are slated, offering Asian and international fare. Challengers will try to set records for the largest satay lilit, a grilled Balinese delicacy of skewered meat, record group meditation and the most surfers on one wave. Dance, culture, art and drama, fashion shows and sculpture exhibitions are on tap. Photos, art, fashion, Bali surf memorabilia and kite making and flying will be among exhibits.

Celebrating life and living in peace, the festival commemorates the New York World Trade Center terrorist tragedy in 2001 and Bali's bomb explosions 13 months later. Opening with a Peace Ceremony, events will wrap with a festive street parade October 11, concluding with a spiritual, candlelight remembrance ceremony on October 12. Secular events along the beach are  set to include 1,000 silent dancers and moments of quiet followed by the sounding of gongs or village drums across the island. Bali expects to welcome 1,500 Australian family members and victims to the island to commemorate the tragedy of one year earlier.

Fully backed by Bali's surfing industry and community, Kuta Karnival has the endorsement of local government, foreign consulates, media and the  surrounding Balinese community. It is supported by numerous local businesses. KSBA has said it welcomes additional local, national and international financial and in-kind sponsorships; volunteer talent, artists and assistance; and other local events and activities to participate or join in the month-long Kuta Karnival Kalendar. Deadline is August 20.