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| Home :: Festivals in Malaysia |
Festivals in Malaysia |
| Malaysia - Festivals |
Welcome to mesmerising Malaysia with its alluring potpourri of fascinating cultures, languages, religions and cuisine. Centuries of cultural and social integration and interaction between the Malays, Chinese, Indians and the indigenous Kadazan, Dusun, Ibans and other ethnic communities, have resulted in a colourful melting pot of races living together in harmony. There's never a dull moment as Malaysians come together to celebrate the myriad of festivals, traditions and cultural activities throughout the year. Renowned for their hospitality, Malaysians eagerly share their festive joy with friends and visitors alike. For an eventful time, the time is now, the place is Malaysia.
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| Date |
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Event |
Description |
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Oct 24 - 22 Nov, 2006
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Hari Raya
Aidilfitri |
The end of the fasting period or the holy
month of ramadhan culminates in Hari Raya
Aidilfitri which is celebrated by Muslims around
the world. Malaysian Muslims begin their day
with visits to the graves of loved ones,
followed by prayers and the seeking of
forgiveness from their elders. Relatives and
friends are invited to the many 'open houses',
where they are served with a generous spread of
food and traditional delicacies.
Venue: Throughout
Malaysia |
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Dec 25, 2006
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Christmas |
Our tropical weather and the friendly nature
of Malaysians guarantee that Christmas in
multi-cultural Malaysia will always be a very
warm affair. Like others around the world,
Malaysian Christians attend church services,
hold family dinners, sing carols and exchange
gifts. Visitors will find the spirit of
Christmas very much alive at the many Christian
homes as well as the myriad shopping centres,
hotels and restaurants catering for this joyous
occasion.
Venue: Throughout
Malaysia |
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Feb 1, 2007
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Federal Territory
Day |
The federal territories of Kuala Lumpur,
Labuan and Putrajaya celebrate Federal Territory
Day with exciting parades, fireworks display,
exhibitions and cultural shows. Most events are
open to the public and do not charge any
entrance fees.
Venue: Kuala Lumpur, Labuan
& Putrajaya |
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Feb 1, 2007
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Thaipusam |
This day of penance and thanksgiving for
Hindu devotees is held in honour of Lord Muruga
or Lord Subramaniam. The festival is best
experienced in Kuala Lumpur where the deity's
jeweled chariot is led in a mass procession
through the streets of the city, culminating at
the Batu Caves in Selangor. An unforgettable
sight is the thousands of devotees in a
trance-like state carrying body-piercing kavadis
or ornate frames. Thaipusam is celebrated on a
big scale in Selangor, Penang, Melaka, Johor and
Perak.
Venue: Selangor, Penang,
Melaka, Johor and
Perak
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Feb 18, 2007
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Chinese New
Year |
Chinese New Year marks the first day of the
lunar calendar and is celebrated over a 15-day
period. Mandarin oranges and plum blossom stalks
are used as decorations in Chinese homes and
shopping complexes for prosperity and good luck.
Animated lion and dragon dance performances
accompanied by energetic drums, gongs and
cymbals add to the festive air. On Chinese New
Year's eve, family members hold reunion dinners
followed by 'open houses' for relatives and
friends.
Venue: Throughout
Malaysia |
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May 30 - 31 May, 2007
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Tadau
Kaamatan |
The Tadau Kaamatan or harvest festival is
celebrated by Sabah's largest ethnic group, the
KadazanDusun. Thanksgiving gatherings are held
in honour of Bambaazon, the spirit of the paddy
for a good harvest. Highlights of the
celebrations include the drinking of rice wine
or tuak, delicious ethnic cuisine, traditional
dances, a Harvest Queen beauty pageant, buffalo
racing and traditional merry-making.
Venue: Sabah |
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Jun 1 - 2 Jun, 2007
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Gawai
Dayak |
Gawai Dayak is celebrated by the Ibans, Orang
Ulu and Bidayuh of Sarawak in early June to mark
the rice-harvesting season. This enchanting
festival sees traditional ceremonies and dances
held in the various 'long houses' or communal
homes all over Sarawak. Relatives and visitors
are served rice wine or tuak and chicken cooked
in bamboo as well as other traditional
delicacies at the many 'open houses'.
Venue: Sarawak |
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Jul 14, 2007
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The Birthday of His
Majesty The Yang
di-Pertuan
Agong |
As a constitutional monarchy, are nation
celebrates the official birthday of His Majesty,
the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong (the King of Malaysia)
on July 14, 2007. This auspicious occasion is
marked by the bestowal of state honours and
awards to those who have rendered exceptional
service to the country. Highlights include the
“Trooping of the Colours” by the armed forces
and a host of cultural shows and
exhibitions.
Venue: Kuala
Lumpur |
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Aug 31, 2007
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Merdeka Day
Celebration |
August 31, 2007 commemorates Malaysia's 50th
year of independence. This historic event is
celebrated in joyous mood by Malaysians from all
walks of life over a one-month period.
Malaysians display their love for the country by
proudly flying Jalur Gemilang or the national
flag. A host of activities is held in each state
including parades, exhibitions of Malaysia's
history and fireworks displays, culminating in a
grand parade attended by their Majesties, the
King and Queen, the Prime Minister, dignitaries
and the public.
Venue: Throughout
Malaysia |
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Sep 12 - 12 Oct, 2007
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Bazaar
Ramadhan |
The Bazaar Ramadhan is an interesting scene
in Malaysia coinciding with the Muslim fasting
month. During this season, numerous colourful
and aromatic roadside stalls can be found in
Kuala Lumpur and elsewhere offering a delightful
array of traditional Malay dishes and delicacies
for the breaking of the daily fast. Non-Muslims
also take the opportunity to sample the variety
of food available.
Venue: Throughout
Malaysia |
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Sep 25, 2007
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Mid-Autumn
Festival |
The Mid-Autumn Festival also known as the
Moon Cake Festival had its origins during a time
of war and oppression in 4th century China.
Today, the event provides an opportunity for
Malaysian children of all races to participate
in colourful lantern competitions and
processions in a spirit of unity and goodwill.
Sample the variety of delicious moon cakes
available during this season.
Venue: Throughout
Malaysia |
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Oct 27 - 26 Nov, 2007
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Hari Raya
Aidilfitri |
The end of the fasting period or the holy
month of ramadhan culminates in Hari Raya
Aidilfitri which is celebrated by Muslims around
the world. Malaysian Muslims begin their day
with visits to the graves of loved ones,
followed by prayers and the seeking of
forgiveness from their elders. Relatives and
friends are invited to the many 'open houses',
where they are served with a generous spread of
food and traditional delicacies.
Venue: Throughout
Malaysia |
|
Nov 8, 2007
| |
Deepavali |
The triumph of good over evil is celebrated
by Hindus as they observe Deepavali or the
Festival of Lights in the seventh month of the
Hindu calendar. Throughout the country, prayers
of thanksgiving and cleansing rituals take place
at temples and household altars.
Venue: Throughout
Malaysia |
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Dec 25, 2007
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Christmas |
Our tropical weather and the friendly nature
of Malaysians guarantee that Christmas in
multi-cultural Malaysia will always be a very
warm affair. Like others around the world,
Malaysian Christians attend church services,
hold family dinners, sing carols and exchange
gifts. Visitors will find the spirit of
Christmas very much alive at the many Christian
homes as well as the myriad shopping centres,
hotels and restaurants catering for this joyous
occasion.
Venue: Throughout
Malaysia |
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