The Indonesian island of Bali has a deep, mystical culture that many tourists don’t even scratch the surface off when they visit. Some buy the colorful masks to bring home, without realizing their significance. These masks show faces in many different expressions, some appear to be snarling or frightened. Masks are used in shows these days but actually, they are sacred and have their roots in animism. Natives of Bali believe that gods are everywhere, and some of these masks symbolize this. Beautiful homes were created for the gods, although they may not be seen. The mask provides a symbol for the energies of ancestral spirits when they want to visit the material world. These divine beings can assume physical form through the masks, which is why they are so sacred.
These masks are created in a certain way, and particular materials should be used. There is also a method to follow to respect tradition. Another thing that needs to be observed is the time of making the mask, as all these things contribute to its significance. Balinese people hold special ceremonies that honor the masks too. This is integral to their culture, and although foreigners may not understand, they should be respectful of the culture. The combination of Balinese culture and Hindu religion has led to the belief system that exists today on the island. The masks still retain their function, and along with music and dance the Balinese people use them to express Hindu scripture and myths. Masks aren’t unique to Bali, or even Indonesian culture. Tribes all over the world have sacred value to their citizens and traditions connected to them. Some of these include the Day of the Dead masks worn in Mexico and ritualistic masks worn in Papua New Guinea. African tribes also use striking masks in their rituals but aren’t as exposed to tourists as the ones in Bali.
The annual festival of Las Fallas is held in Valencia, Spain every March. It began as the carpenter’s celebration of the arrival of spring, when they would burn the parrots (wooden pieces) that held their lights up during the winter. This festival of art combines tradition and the Valencian sense of irony in a unique spectacle that envelopes the whole city for 19 days and makes Valencia a great place to visit during this time. Huge paper-mâché figures are created by artists from the city, and these line the streets during the festivities. After being judged and awarded, at the end of the festival, every single one is burned to the ground. Each day of the festival at 2 pm a fireworks show takes place at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento in the center of the city. Grab some food or drinks from the many trucks that pop up and enjoy the show. At night, discomoviles, which are mini outdoor clubs, get the party going.
On the morning of the 17th, a procession of all the colorful figures takes place through the city, on the way to the main plaza. This is when the judging takes place. A flowering offering is made to the Virgen de Los Desamparados, patron saint of Valencia. Bouquets of flowers are piled high against the statue, becoming part of her cape, which stands at nearly 15 meters tall. This amazing festival is representative of Valencian culture, and their love of the festivities shows. Even children get involved, carrying flowers and throwing mini firecrackers to the ground, which make little pops as they land.Many tourists come to Valencia for the festival and some return year after year, swelling the Valencian population to more than double its size. The festival is definitely a bucket list experience, but it will leave you loving Las Fallas and craving a return.