More officially known as Bau Nyale Festival, the annual Sea Worms Festival is a peculiar folk festival which celebrates the arrival of Nyale Sea Worms in Kuta Village, on the island of Lombok in Indonesia. The local Sasak people believe that the worms are sacred as they are the reincarnation of Princess Mandalika, a beautiful princess once loved by every man on the island of Lombok. By catching them the local Sakak people believe the worms will  bring prosperity to those who honor them. The celebrations take place on the 20th days of the 10th month on the traditional Sasak Calendar, this falls in February each year.

Bau in the local Lombok language means ‘to catch’ where as Nyale is a specific sea worm, which only comes to surface at this time of year. The festival is not only about catching the worms, it also features traditional games and various art performances, including Wayang Kulit (leather puppet show) and theatrical plays. It often also includes a spirited boat rowing competition. Traditionally the vibrant celebrations take place at a designated place agreed by the Sasak leader and the local government, and this year the idyllic Serenting Beach has been chosen. The festival also takes place on the island of Sumba where the ceremony is followed by the Pasola Jousting Festival.

It is very easy to participate in the festival and tourists are made to feel very welcome. If you are thinking about joining in on the fun, the dates are the 19th-20th February in 2014.  Contact us for more information.