‘Mewali Festival’: Mari Beach Club's 5-day eco-friendly affair hits Bali
A celebration of the island’s local heroes in culture, creativity, culinary arts & music
We’re only a week away from Mari Beach Club’s ‘Mewali Festival’; a one-of-a-kind event in Bali that couldn’t have found a better venue. Bordering Seminyak and Canggu, Mari Beach Club lines the shores of Batu Belig beach and offers a timeless beachfront atmosphere with a Bohemian touch. It pays homage to the island’s nature and culture by implementing them into the design; you’ll notice a grand dome that nods to the mighty Mount Agung, plus a staircase that symbolises traditional Balinese rice terraces.
Within this majestic space ‘Mewali Festival’ will take place, held by a handpicked selection of collaborators that share the same spirit towards celebrating the best that Bali has to offer. Oh, and let’s not forget the headlining beat purveyor; none other than DJ Harry Romero of Defected Records and Crosstown Rebels.
We’re here to give you a sneak peek of what’s to come in the festival programming and introduce its collaborative partners who are joining in on the festivities.
Harry Romero
In the beginning, jack had a groove, and thanks to heavyweight house heroes like Harry Romero, that groove is now back. Harry’s 2021 saw releases and remixes on labels from Crosstown Rebels to Hot Creations and Classic Recordings, and 2022 saw him release on Defected for the first time since the mighty ‘Revolution’.
From then to now, Harry represents one thing, and that’s pure quality. His inspirations growing up tell the same story. From the mid to late 80s he listened to Tony Humphreys on the radio and followed Todd Terry, Masters At Work and Fingers Inc.
“My love of house came from the culture,” he explains. With club cuts like ‘Tania’, ‘Night @ The Black’ and ‘I Go Back’ with Robert Owens under his belt, expect to indulge in groovy, club classics during his highly-anticipated set during 'Mewali Festival'.
Mixmag Asia Special Showcase
Yes, we’re definitely on board! Throughout the festival’s five days of activities, attendees will be entertained by the eclectic beats from an array of local and regional performers, curated specially by Mixmag Asia. Greybox, Sunset People Project, Rio Dewanto, TANTRA, Soltice, Batikboy, Tina Colada, Aluku Rebels, Papu, Halim Ardie, Jay Mugelli, Mistral, Scotty Cal, DBRA, Dipha Barus, Nusantara Sound Healing with Noise Killa and Balinese Contemporary, plus many more local stalwarts will soundtrack your eco-friendly festival experience.
Arun R, Samantha Nicole, Axel Groove and Rocco Universal are also on board to delight us with their cosmic grooves as we enjoy the festival’s laid-back atmosphere upon the shores of Batu Belig.
Club Conscious
A charity-based event series that combines electronic music and important issues for fundraising efforts. As most of us already know, the Island of Gods is considered holy to many of its residents, yet with each passing year its pristine natural beauty is threatened one way or another. Natural disasters, ocean pollution, the COVID-19 pandemic and more have been contributing factors towards the livelihood of Balinese locals and its environment. This is where Club Conscious steps in with its aim to raise funds and spread awareness on how we can keep the island (and the planet) thriving, one dance floor at a time.
Club Conscious is partnering up with ‘Mewali Festival’ to offset its carbon emission to head towards a net-zero event, which supports the G20 goals for 2022. Hopefully this will spearhead even more initiatives in the same direction, proving that parties can also be conscious of pollution and that music can make a difference.
You can keep up with Club Conscious and their charitable efforts by following them on Instagram.
Good For Bali
What’s a festival without a bunch of goodies to grab during the event? That’s why Good For Bali will be present, bringing along its Eco-Market for the crowds to indulge in. It is a platform for conscious consumers, highlighting companies that care about the island of Bali, holding high the spirit of celebrating and connecting businesses that are beneficial to the island’s communities and, of course, the planet.
The Eco-Market during ‘Mewali Festival’ will feature 40 Bali-based brands handpicked by Good For Bali themselves, so no need to go on a guilt-trip when splurging in the stalls. Tenants include Handep, Eleven 44, Velvet Morning, Enigma Art Textile, Kore Culture Lab, In The Raw Juices, Tisoo, Rubysh, Indosole Coasters, Gui Artisans, Woa Boa, Yayasan Kaki Kita, Role Foundation plus many yet to be announced.
Follow Good For Bali on their Instagram and see how their network supports a new economic model where success is people, planet and profit.
Mural Fest
Murals are more than just paint on walls, and Mural Fest Bali is here to show us what they’re all about. With a mission to beautify, unify and showcase the best of Bali, the arts and cultural event joins ‘Mewali Festival’ to support social impact initiatives and empower creative communities. It also hosts art exhibitions, masterclasses, workshops, bazaars plus — to keep with the ever-changing digital times — conferences on NFTs, blockchain and the metaverse.
Five guest artists will present their artistic creations during the festival, which can be enjoyed as attendees sway to the beats of the music showcase by Mixmag Asia.
Peek the endeavours of Mural Fest by following their Instagram here.
Solé Restaurant
In conjunction with ‘Mewali Festival’ is the grand opening of Solé; Mari Beach Club’s latest dining experience. Brought to you by the head of the Mari culinary team (Swedish native Chef Martin Loving), the menu is inspired by coastal Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine. Chef Loving, who has worked in numerous prestigious fine dining restaurants around the world, is set to bring forth his culinary expertise that immerses you in the sun-kissed flavours of the island, using seasonal and local ingredients that elevate the dishes.
The selection of authentic cuisine and heritage recipes is strongly highlighted in the menu, as Chef Loving reintroduces new and innovative ways to serve his culinary creations. Using only the finest ingredients sourced straight from local farmers and fisherman, Solé’s list of exquisite dishes will be an unforgettable seaside gastronomic experience.
Learn more about Solé’s delicacies via Mari Beach Club’s official website.
Can't wait to see you at 'Mewali Festival'! Keep up to date with the event by following Mari Beach Club on Instagram.