Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Malaysia: Festivals

The agenda for Malaysia 
Hindus, Muslims and Chinese all following a lunar calendar, the dates of many feasts vary each year. Muslim celebrations usually give 11 days, while the Hindu and Chinese festivities vary from one year to another, but almost always occur in the same month. We have included the dates that are already known, but they may be subject to slight changes. 

January 
The New Year is a busy time for tourism. In Malaysia, the East Coast and Sarawak are in the monsoon rains. 

Thaipusam 
Huge crowds gather in Batu Caves, north of KL, in temples Nattukotai Chettiar, Penang and Singapore for this spectacular Hindu festival during which devotees pierce the skin. Between mid-January and mid-February. 

February 
The Chinese New Year is one of the main events in the region and a very popular tourist period - book your tickets and your accommodation well in advance. 

Chinese New Year 
Dragon dances and parades commemorating the start of the new year. Families leave their door open. Appointments January 31, 2014, February 19, 2015 and February 8, 2016. 

Chingay 
Originally from China, that great street parade is celebrated in Singapore (www.chingay.org.sg) and Malaysia (http://chingay.gov.my). This top multicultural event in color takes place after the Chinese New Year Day 22. 

April 
The monsoon ends on the west coast of Malaysia, but it is always possible to be caught in the rain. 

Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix 
The main Formula 1 race in South Asia-East takes place on the Sepang International Circuit. It lasts three days, usually at the beginning of April, and is accompanied by events and celebrations in Kuala Lumpur. 

May 
May, before the effervescent school holiday period is a good time to visit the region. 

Wesak Day (Vesak) 
The birthday, enlightenment and death of Buddha are celebrated by various events, including the release of caged birds (symbolizing the souls captive) and processions in KL, Singapore and other major cities. See you May 13, 2014 and June 1, 2015. 

June 
June is the month of school holidays and one of the hottest months of the year. Prepare for sunburn. 

Gawai Dayak 
This festival Dayak held throughout Sarawak on 1 and 2 June - but that starts May 31 in the evening - marks the end of the rice harvest. 

Dragon Boat Festival 
It commemorates a Malay legend about the death of a saint Chinese man who drowned despite the efforts of fishermen paddling to him beating the drum to keep the fish likely to attack. Boat races are held in Penang from June to August. 

July 
Tourists flocking to Borneo, better book its activities, tours and accommodation. 

George Town Festival 
The program of the festival (www.georgetownfestival.com): Known worldwide artists, performances and innovative new street art street. 

Rainforest World Music Festival 
Organized the second week of July in the Sarawak Cultural Village near Kuching, this unique music festival (http://rwmf.net) lasts three days. 

Singapore Food Festival 
This food festival a month (www.singaporefoodfestival.com) results in various events, including cooking classes and tours on the theme of gastronomy. 

Birthday of the Sultan of Brunei 
On 15 July, the anniversary of the sultan is celebrated with extravagant official celebrations, including a military elaborate ceremony presided over by the Sultan himself. 

August 
If Ramadan is in August, do not miss the nightly food markets. 

Singapore National Day 
On 9 August, military parades, flyovers and fireworks are organized for the National Day of Singapore (http://ndp.org.sg), but the rehearsals that take place the two weeks before that date are almost as appreciated. 

Festival of the hungry ghosts 
During this festival, held in late August and early September, the Chinese organize operas, give outdoor concerts and offer meals to their ancestors. 

National Day of Malaysia 
Join the crowd at midnight on August 31 to celebrate the independence of Malaysia, obtained in 1957 The festivities are usually held on the Dataran Merdeka in KL. Parades and celebrations take place throughout the country the next morning. 

September 
Smoke from fires clearing of forests and fields in Indonesia covers the region of a thick fog. 

Hari Raya Puasa 
Ramadan ends with this important holiday traditionally celebrated at home in front of a huge feast. On this occasion, the Malaysian Prime Minister opens the doors of his official residence in Putrajaya, the public. 

Singtel Singapore Grand Prix 
Singapore is hosting the Grand Prix Formula 1 night (www.singaporegp.sg) on an amazing tour of downtown. Book early to get a room with a view. 

October 
The monsoon starts on the west coast of Malaysia, but the rains are neither strong enough nor sufficiently continuous to spite your program. 

Deepavali (Festival of Lights) 
Small oil lamps are lit outside Hindu houses to attract benevolent deities that are Rama and Lakshmi. Indian businesses begin a new fiscal year, and Indian areas of the region sparkle. 

December 
A festive (and monsoon rains in Singapore and on the east coast of Malaysia) in the air as the year draws slowly to a close. Christmas is a very important holiday in Singapore, and fabulous lighting decorations adorn Orchard Rd. 

ZoukOut 
Held on Siloso Beach, Sentosa, this great annual event is one of the best events of its kind. Some 25 000 people dance to foreign DJs. 


Learn more about http://www.lonelyplanet.fr/destinations/asie/malaisie/quand-partir-et-climat/fetes-et-festivals#Q6PkTMlbABeIU2rZ.99

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