GIANYAR, balitourismnow.com – These people came with happy hearts. Although they came from various countries around the world, the atmosphere was quite friendly. In fact, they came with good spirits to witness and participate in the BaliSpirit Festival.
From afternoon until late evening, people continued to stream in to experience this annual international celebration in Ubud that combines yoga, dance, world music, and holistic healing to balance the body and soul.
The 2026 BaliSpirit Festival was officially opened by Vinsensius Jemadu, Deputy for Organizer Development at the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, marked by the striking of a gong at The Yoga Barn on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
The 17th edition of the BaliSpirit Festival 2026 is themed “Welcome Home.” The theme invites individuals to return to their true home—back to themselves—through spirituality, humanity, and environmental sustainability.
Rooted in the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, the festival embodies harmony between spirituality, humanity, and environmental sustainability.
“This festival is the fruit of collective effort,” said I Made Gunarta, co-founder of the BaliSpirit Festival, who emphasized the collaborative spirit behind the festival.
With their support, BaliSpirit Festival continues to thrive and create meaningful impact through its outreach programs, including Bali ReGreen, AYO! Talk About HIV/AIDS, Bali Conference, and the Wellness Conference.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to all who have supported us—from the government, sponsors, and partners to our festival attendees,” said Gunarta.
The Deputy Governor of Bali, I Nyoman Giri Prasta, expressed appreciation for BaliSpirit Festival as an international event that consistently contributes to the advancement of Bali’s tourism industry and strengthens its reputation as a world-class wellness destination.
The event continued with remarks from the Deputy for Event Organizer Development at the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, Vinsensius Jemadu, who represented the Minister of Tourism, who was unable to attend.
Deputy Vinsensius expressed his appreciation for the BaliSpirit Festival and emphasized the government’s commitment to developing the wellness tourism sector in Indonesia. “I am pleased and proud to be able to attend this festival,” he said.
The Minister has placed wellness as a flagship program at the Ministry of Tourism. Therefore, the Minister was impressed with the BaliSpirit Festival’s activities, which has now reached its 17th edition, and decided to attend.
Therefore, the Minister wants the BaliSpirit Festival to be disseminated not only within the regencies of Bali but also implemented in other provinces across Indonesia. This is because wellness is not just a trend, but with a global style.
Amidst this highly uncertain global situation, Deputy Vinsensius expressed his gratitude for their continued commitment to organizing this event. “Therefore, the BaliSpirit Festival deserves to be a global event, as evidenced by the participation of many countries,” Deputy Vinsensius emphasized.
Director of the Balispirit Group & Executive Producer of the Balispirit Festival, Meghan Pappenheim, stated that despite the current global situation, there is always good, and that good lies within people. Therefore, we must always seek the good.
“So we created this event so that everyone remembers that the good lies within their own hearts. Years after Covid have always been smaller and more difficult to organize, so this year everyone is enthusiastic,” said Meghan Pappenheim.
The opening concluded with a captivating performance by I Putu Adi Septa Suweca Putra alongside Janurangga and Ayu Anantha, presenting a fusion of electronic gamelan and contemporary Balinese dance—symbolizing the harmony between tradition and innovation.
This year’s festival is supported by Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, The Yoga Barn, Bali Spirit Group, Bank Central Asia, SPRAYGROUND, KARA INDONESIA, INDOSOLE, AQUA, CAPE DISCOVERY, CORONA, KAFE UBUD, and KEBUN BISTRO, along with other valued sponsors and partners.
Their support reflects a shared commitment to advancing sustainable tourism, wellness initiatives, and the preservation of Balinese culture on a global stage.
With the spirit of “Welcome Home,” BaliSpirit Festival 2026 invites the world to rediscover balance, inspiration, and purpose in the heart of Bali. [*/buda]