Bali Art fiest a kicks off in Denpasar

Bali Art fiest a kicks off in Denpasar

A group of Balinese dancers perform in front of the crowds during
the opening ceremony of the 26th Bali Art Fiesta in front of
Museum Bajra Sandi in Denpasar.

The Minister of Culture and Tourism I Gde Ardhika presided
over Sunday's opening ceremony, on behalf of President Megawati
Soekarnoputri, who could not attend the function due to her busy
campaign schedule.

The opening ceremonies were attended by many top officials,
including the Minister of Home Affairs, Hari Sabarno and the
State Minister for State Administrative Reform, Feisal Tamin.

Art performances were also presented in a parade, including
four art contingents from Japan, Thailand, South Korea and
Singapore, according to AAG Bagus Netra, the spokesman of Bali
provincial administration. A kite-flying event also highlighted
the opening ceremony.

Bali Governor I Made Dewa Beratha said in his opening speech
that the fiesta would have five types of art performances,
including an exhibition and a competition.

The committee in charge of the events said they would present
139 kinds of traditional Balinese performances and over 170
kiosks where tourists and art aficionados can buy Balinese
souvenirs. --Wahjoe Boediwardhana