Date

Event

Description

Jan 26 - 27 Jan, 2009

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

Feb 1 - 1 Feb, 2009

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 8 - 8 Feb, 2009

Thaipusam

Apr 10 - 10 Apr, 2009

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 9 - 9 May, 2009

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, 2009

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, 2009

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, 2009

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, 2009

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 20 - 21 Sep, 2009

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

Oct 17 - 17 Oct, 2009

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 27 - 28 Nov, 2009

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, 2009

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