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.
Date
Event
Description
Jan 30 - 30 Jan, 2010
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, Perak, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya
Feb 1 - 1 Feb, 2010
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
Feb 14 - 15 Feb, 2010
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
Apr 2 - 2 Apr, 2010
Good Friday
Good Friday is the Friday before Easter (Easter always falls on a Sunday).Observed in the states of Sabah and Sarawak.
Venue: Sabah, Sarawak
May 28 - 28 May, 2010
Wesak Day
On this day, Buddhists observe the birth, enlightenment and passing of Lord Buddha. Religious offerings and rituals such as 'bathing of the Buddha', chanting of holy scriptures, lighting of joss sticks and ordination of monks usually take place in Buddhist temples. Come nightfall, there will be grand processions in cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Seremban, Melaka and Georgetown.
Venue: Throughout Malaysia
May 30 - 31 May, 2010
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
Jun 1 - 2 Jun, 2010
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
Jun 6 - 6 Jun, 2010
The Birthday of His Majesty The Yang di-Pertuan Agong
As a constitutional monarchy, the nation celebrates the official birthday of His Majesty, the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong (the King of Malaysia) yearly on July 14. 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
Aug 31 - 31 Aug, 2010
Merdeka Day Celebration
Each year on August 31, Malaysia celebrates its Independence Day.This historic event is celebrated in joyous mood by Malaysians from all walks of life. Malaysians too, display their love for the country by proudly flying the 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
Sep 10 - 11 Sep, 2010
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 5 - 5 Nov, 2010
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
Nov 17 - 17 Nov, 2010
Hari Raya Aidiladha
Hari Raya Aidiladha is another event observed by Muslim's which starts on the 10th day of Zulhijjah. It is also the day after pilgrims end their annual pilgrimage, the Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Venue: Throughout Malaysia
Dec 25 - 25 Dec, 2010
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.
