Festivals and celebrations in Malaysia
Festivals and celebrations in Malaysia
Malaysia has a number of festivals and celebrations, most of which are either religious or cultural in origin, and are swathed in traditions and rituals.
Malaysia. A country where one can experience a multitude of cultural celebrations and festivals, as well as, and most importantly, good food(!) all year round.
Almost every month of the year, tourists and locals alike immerse themselves in one celebration or another, thanks to the diverse cultural practices we have.
To help our foreign friends have a better overview of the festivities to look forward to when visiting Malaysia, and also for the benefit of locals, here is a list of the monthly cultural celebrations and festivities Malaysia has to offer.
(Note: Some celebrations may vary from year to year as they are based on lunar calendars.)
Thousands flock to Batu Caves to participate in the Thaipusam Festival.
January
Thaipusam
Celebrated by the Tamil community, the manifestation of Thaipusam is best witnessed at Batu Caves in Selangor, or in Penang. The jaw-dropping sight of devotees carrying ornately decorated frames, better known as kavadis, would stay with you long after you've experienced it; this unique festival is a sight to behold.
February
Chinese New Year
Celebrated worldwide by the Chinese to mark the first day of the New Year in the Chinese lunar calendar, the celebrations last for 15 days. Expect fireworks, lion dances, the prominence of the colour red, and open houses with scrumptious Chinese meals!
Chap Goh Mei, or the 15th night of Chinese New Year, symbolises the end of the festival. To celebrate the Chinese version of Valentine's Day, young women inscribe messages or well-wishes on oranges and throw them into lakes or ponds.
April
Good Friday
Held in churches to mark the "saddest day" in the Christian calendar, it is observed in remembrance of Christs' Passion, crucifixation and death. On the Sunday that follows Good Friday, Easter Sunday is celebrated
Malaysia has a number of festivals and celebrations, most of which are either religious or cultural in origin, and are swathed in traditions and rituals.
Malaysia. A country where one can experience a multitude of cultural celebrations and festivals, as well as, and most importantly, good food(!) all year round.
Almost every month of the year, tourists and locals alike immerse themselves in one celebration or another, thanks to the diverse cultural practices we have.
To help our foreign friends have a better overview of the festivities to look forward to when visiting Malaysia, and also for the benefit of locals, here is a list of the monthly cultural celebrations and festivities Malaysia has to offer.
(Note: Some celebrations may vary from year to year as they are based on lunar calendars.)
Thousands flock to Batu Caves to participate in the Thaipusam Festival.
January
Thaipusam
Celebrated by the Tamil community, the manifestation of Thaipusam is best witnessed at Batu Caves in Selangor, or in Penang. The jaw-dropping sight of devotees carrying ornately decorated frames, better known as kavadis, would stay with you long after you've experienced it; this unique festival is a sight to behold.
February
Chinese New Year
Celebrated worldwide by the Chinese to mark the first day of the New Year in the Chinese lunar calendar, the celebrations last for 15 days. Expect fireworks, lion dances, the prominence of the colour red, and open houses with scrumptious Chinese meals!
Chap Goh Mei, or the 15th night of Chinese New Year, symbolises the end of the festival. To celebrate the Chinese version of Valentine's Day, young women inscribe messages or well-wishes on oranges and throw them into lakes or ponds.
April
Good Friday
Held in churches to mark the "saddest day" in the Christian calendar, it is observed in remembrance of Christs' Passion, crucifixation and death. On the Sunday that follows Good Friday, Easter Sunday is celebrated