Celebrations and Holidays
Hari Raya
Aidil Fitri
Hari Raya
Aidil Fitri is celebrated by Muslims after the month-long Ramadan
(Fasting month). Muslims usher in the new year with prayers
in the mosques followed by receiving well-wishers in their homes.
Chinese
New Year (January/February)
Chinese New
Year is a joyous time when friends and relatives give each other
"angpows" - red packets with a gift of cash as
a token of prosperity - and celebrate with feasts and lion dances
to ward off evil spirits and usher in the lunar
new year. Family reunion dinners are a must among Chinese on the
eve of the new year.
City Day
(1 February)
Kuala Lumpur
commemorates its declaration as a Federal Territory on
1 February with festivities centred at Taman Tasik Perdana, its
premier lake gardens and Taman Titiwangsa.
Photo: Flora Festival / Parade
Flora
Festival/Parade (July)
Kuala
Lumpur, the Garden City blooms even lovelier during
this week!. There will be flora hunts, flower sales, exhibitions
of Malaysia's diverse flora at public gardens, and hotel lobbies.
Shopping complexes will also be attractively-displayed with floral
arrangements. The week culminates in a spectacular international
Floral Parade.
National
Day (31 August)
The country
celebrates it's independence on 31 August with parades
and shows. Towns and cities throughout Malaysia will be gaily
decorated and adorned with lights for the grand occasion.
Malaysia
Fest (September)
For two weeks,
all the major hotels and shopping complexes join forces to feature
the culture, cuisine and handicrafts of the various states in
Malaysia.
Shopping
Carnival (October)
Bargains
galore at shopping establishments in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru
and Penang during this annual two- week shopping extravaganza.
Deepavali
(October/November)
Deepavali,
the "Festival of Lights" is a celebration which
marks the triumph of good over evil. During this festival,
Hindu homes are emblazoned with lights to symbolize this
triumph.
Christmas
(25 December)
Christmas
is celebrated by Christians similar to any other part of the world.
Midnight services are held at churches on Christmas eve. Shopping
centres, hotels, old folks homes and children's homes echo with
beautiful carols. The revelry and yuletide spirit of Christmas
is enjoyed by Christians and non-Christians alike.
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