Nyepi in Bali: What Travellers Should Know

While Nyepi itself is quiet, the evening before is anything but.

Across villages and towns, large papier-mâché statues known as Ogoh-Ogoh are paraded through the streets. These elaborate figures represent negative forces or disruptive spirits and are accompanied by music, chanting and energetic processions.

After the parade, many of the statues are symbolically destroyed or burned, representing the cleansing of negative energy before the day of silence begins.

For travellers, this is often one of the most visually striking cultural events in Bali and an excellent moment to witness local traditions in action.