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Penang Festivals and Events

Thaipusam

Thaipusam is celebrated during the full moon of the 10th month in the Hindu calendar and is normally held during the last week of January or the beginning of February. During this celebration, a pilgrimage procession takes place to bring the statue of Lord Muruga on a silver chariot led by more then 60 Kavadis from Little India to the Nattukottai Chettiar Temple atop the hill of Waterfall Road.

The tradition of breaking of coconuts is carried out the day before to "clean" the roads for this divine journey. The devotees then go through a physical endurance of being skewered and pierced on the back and front of their bodies as an act of penance.

Thunderous loud music, singing, dancing and the beating of drums of devotional songs are the norm during this festival. Upon reaching the temple, devotees will fulfill their vows, offer thanksgiving prayers and do penance as required.

KEK LOK SI DISPLAY OF LIGHTS

Date : 30 January-3 March 2011
Time : 9am-6pm
Venue : Kek Lok Si Temple, Air Itam
Literally translated as the Temple of Supreme Bliss in the Hokkien dialect, the Kek Lok Si Temple is a crowd puller and famous tourist attraction, especially during the Chinese New Year. Devotees from far and wide flock to this 120-year-old temple for an annual lighting ceremony. It is believed that this act of faith will bring them peace, luck and prosperity.
Organiser: Kek Lok Si Temple
Tel : +604-899 8222

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

Date : 3 February 2011 Chinese New Year is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar with each year ushering in a zodiac animal ruling sign. Hopping into the year 2011 is the gentle rabbit. Celebrations usually start on the eve when family members gather for a Reunion Dinner. This is followed by having an open house for family and friends to visit one another and give Ang Pows. Lion dances are also performed to welcome auspiciousness into the household and workplace.

For updates on Chinese New Year events in Penang, visit www. visitpenang.gov.my or check out the "George Town, Penang" Facebook page.

HOKKIEN NEW YEAR

Date : 10 February 2011
Time : 7pm-12midnight
Venue : Chew Jetty
The 8th day of Chinese New Year, also known as Thni Kong Sen. (Jade Emperor God s birthday) is celebrated on a big scale by the Hokkien clan to commemorate theirforefathers escape in ancient China. At the stroke of midnight, prayers are performed with much gaiety, offering food, fruits, liquor and sugarcane stalks to the Jade Emperor God.
Organiser: Chew Jetty Committee
Tel : +6012-412 6809

CHINESE NEW YEAR CULTURAL & HERITAGE CELEBRATION 2011

Date Time Venue

12 February 2011 3pm-12midnight UNESCO World Heritage Site, George Town: Chulia Street, Armenian Street, Soo Hong Lane, Ah Quee Street, Acheen Street, Cannon Street, Kampung Kolam & Jalan Kapitan Keling

Initiated by Penang State Government & Penang Chinese Clan Council, this event is celebrated in conjunction with George Town being bestowed the prestigious Unesco World Heritage City status.

This event not only features a historical touch of the art & cultures of all the clans in Penang but also an understanding of the core moral values of the Chinese. Locals and tourists alike throng these streets to partake in the merry-making festivities.
Organiser: Clan Association Youth Committee, Penang
Tel : +6012-487 3278 / +6012-478 8302

VALENTINE'S DAY

Date : 14 February 2011
Although Valentine's Day is a universal celebration, the charm of experiencing it the Penang way is charming indeed. You can choose to take your loved one for an exotic night out in one of the quaint restaurants housed in many of Penang's heritage buildings.

VALENTINE CELEBRATION

Auto-City on the other hand, as a yearly tradition opens its Lover's Bridge for couples to pledge their love vows accompanied by live music.
Date : 14 February 2011
Time : 7pm-12midnight
Venue : Auto-City,
Juru Organiser: Auto-City
Tel : +604-501 122
Website : www.autocity.com.my

MAULLDURRASUL (PROPHET MUHAMMAD'S BIRTHDAY)

Date : 15 February 2011
An auspicious day for Muslims everywhere, the Maulidur Rasul is celebrated to honour the teachings of Prophet Muhammad SAW. Seminars and recitals of these teachings are conducted at mosques around Penang to mark the occasion.

CHAP GOH MEH CELEBRATION

Date : 17 February 2011
Time : 7pm onwards
Venue : Esplanade, Penang
Celebrated on the 15th night of the Lunar New Year, it is also known as the Chinese Valentine's Day. On this night, with the full moon shining down, young ladies of marrying age venture out to popular sea promenades to throw oranges into the sea, wishing for a good soul mate.
Organiser: Penang Tourism Development & Culture Office
Tel : +604-650 5136/+604-261 9012
Email : [email protected]
Website : www.visitpenang.gov.my

PENANG GO KART INVITATION RACE

Date & Time : 12 March 2011 {2pm-7pm} Date & time : 13 March 2011 (10am-7pm)
Venue : Esplanade, Penang
The roads of laid-back Esplanade transforms into a highly exciting street race track during this adrenaline-pumping go-kart race. Watch and experience the thrill as these local and international pro-racers zoom through the streets at neck-breaking speeds in a bid to outrace one another to be the king of the road.
Organiser : Penang Tourism Development & Culture Office Tourism Hotline : +6016-411 0000
Tel : +604-650 5136/ +604-261 9012
Email [email protected]
www.visitpenang.gov.my

INTERNATIONAL LION DANCE ON STILTS COMPETITION

Date : 9 & 10 April 2011
Time : 9am-5pm
Come and join the crowd to watch the action packed and exciting Lion Dance on stilts competition as teams from all over Malaysia battle it out for the championship title with their most creative and original lion dance stunts.
Co-organised by : Penang Tourism Development & Culture Office and Penang Wushu & Lion Association
Tel : +604-650 5136/+604-261 9012
Email : [email protected]
Website : www.visitpenang.gov.my

THAI WATER FESTIVAL OR SONGKRAN

Date 13 April 2011
Time 9am onwards
Venue Wat Chayamangkalaram Thai Buddhist Temple & Dharmikara Burmese Buddhist Temple
Organiser: Penang Thai Community
Wat Chayamangkalaram Thai Buddhist Temple & Dharmikara Burmese Buddhist Temple (Lorong Burma, Pulau Tikus) Wat Rajaphohong Buddhist Temple (Ara Kuda, Bukit Mertajam) The Water Festival or Songkran is a traditional Thai festival that is also celebrated in Penang by devotees to wash away bad luck. Songkran in Thai means to move or change place and it also denotes the sun change of place in the zodiac system.

VASAKHI OPEN HOUSE

Date : 23 April 2011
Time : 7pm-10pm
Venue : Esplanade, Penang
This Sikh feast marks the harvest festival and the religious Khalsa Janam Divas. It is usually celebrated with singing and dancing in a colourful carnival-like atmosphere.The open house also gives visitors a rare glimpse of insight into the beliefs, customs and practices that are sacredly practised by the Sikhs to this day.
Organiser: Malaysian Sikh Youth Organisation Penang & SIKH Naujawan Sabha Malaysia (Penang)
Tel : +6017-584 0821

PENANG DURIAN FAIR

Date : 14 May-30 June 2011
Time : 11am-6pm, Daily
Venue : Anjung Indah, Balik Pulau
Eating durian in Penang is an experience by itself. Here, you can choose from the kings of the crop. Tease your taste buds with the legendary 'Ang He1, 'Hor Lor' and more at Anjung Indah, Balik Pulau with sales from stalls of famous Penang Durian estates who will also exhibit their prized Durians there.
Organiser : Penang Tourism Development & Culture Office
Tourism Hotline : +6016-411 0000
Tel : +604-650 5136/1 +604-261 9012
Email : [email protected]
Website : www.visitpenang.gov.my

WESAK DAY

Date : 17 May 2011
Venue : Malaysian Buddhist Association
Wesak Day is observed by devotees to celebrate Buddha s birthday, enlightenment and achievement of Nirvana. From very early in the morning devotees flock to temples to meditate as well as participate in candle-lit processions. As a sign of benevolence, doves are set free and other charitable acts are also performed by devotees such as providing free meals. Monks usually gather to chant sacred sutras all day long.
Organiser : Malaysian Buddhist Association
Tel : +604-261 6548

BATTLE OF THE CHEFS

Date : 3-5 June 2011
Time : 8am-6pm
Venue : Penang International Sports Arena (PISA)
The 13th Battle of the Chefs will see over 40 categories of competition events to be competed. More than 1000 chefs and food & beverage personnels will battle it out for the various top honors. Many events are lined up such as Ice, Vegetables & Butter Carvings for competition including buffet platters, platted displays and hot cooking sessions, Modern Nyonya Cuisine; Malay Traditional Ethic Ketupat & Rendang Challenge and our Penang favorite Char Koay Teow competitions.
Organiser: Chefs Association of Malaysia, Penang Chapter
Tel : +604-226 8569
Website : www.penangchefs.com

AUTO-CITY CARNIVAL

Date 10-12 June 2011
Time 4pm-12midnight
Venue Auto-City, J um

The Auto-City Carnival promises fun, excitement and a little bit of something for everyone. A galore of activities such as contests, shows and entertainment are held throughout this period. You can participate in the hive of activities if you wish or relax as a bystander and be equally enthralled by the sheer excitement of it all. Organiser Tel Auto-City +604-501 1222
Website www.autocity.com.my

PENANG INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL (PIDBF)

Date : 11 & 12 June 2011
Time : 9am-6pm
Venue : Teluk Bahang Dam
Although Dragon Boat racing has been around in Penang since 1950s, it has only gained international popularity in the last few years. For the first time ever the dragon boat sport has been included in the Asian Games in 2010. Dragon boat is a team-focused sport which promotes discipline, harmony, physical fitness and mental toughness. For Penangites it is an honoured sport that inculcates racial harmony.
Organiser: Penang International Dragon Boat Festival (PIDBF) Committee
Tourism Hotline : +6016-411 0000
Tel :+604-650 5136/ +604-261 9012
Email : [email protected]
Website : www.penangdragonboat.gov.my

PENANG UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE MONTH-LONG CELEBRATION

Date : 1-31 July 2011
Organiser : George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI)
Tel : +604-261 6606
George Town was accorded the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List of Cities and Sites for its "outstanding universal value" on 7th July 2008.This award showcases Penang's unique historical and architectural buildings, multi-ethnic cultural heritage, old "colonial townscape" and landscapes.
In line with its 3rd year anniversary, a month-long celebration filled with cultural and music shows, traditional crafts demonstration and exhibitions around Penang awaits you.

ST. ANNE'S FESTIVAL

Date : 18-24 July 2011
Time : 9am-11pm
Venue : St. Anne's Church, Bukit Mertajam
A 9-day prayer ritual that draws many believers from all walks of life. In conjunction with the annual St. Anne's Feast, a Night of Candle Light Procession is usually conducted at the church grounds.
Email [email protected]
Organiser : St. Anne Church
Tel : +604-538 6405

MATTA FAIR

Date 22-24 July 2011
Time 11am-9pm
Venue Penang International Sports Arena (PISA)
Staged annually in Penang, the MATTA (Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents) Fair is a vibrant must-attend 3-day expo. It gives consumers the opportunity to holiday in diverse destinations at fabulous discounts. Here, you'll find value-added tour packages and other great travel incentives. Specialised travel agents will also help with flights, hotels and ground transportation to any destination around the world.
Organiser MATTA
Tel +604-890 0106

PENANG HUNGRY GHOST FESTIVAL

Date : 31 July-28 August 2011
Venue : Along Streets of Penang, - mainly George Town
The Hungry Ghost Festival which falls during the Seventh Lunar Month is celebrated on a grand scale in Penang. During this month, it is believed that the Gates of Hell are thrown open for spirits and ghosts from the nether world to roam freely in search for food. Thus, makeshift altars are erected at roadsides where giant joss sticks are lit and food is offered to appease their hunger.

This practice is believed to ward off bad luck. Staged opera performances and puppet shows are also conducted at these venues for the entertainment of the ghosts, spirits and the public on a nightly basis.
Organiser : Tiong Guan Association Website : www.visitpenang.gov.my

RAMADHAN BAZAAR 2011

Date : 1-31 August 2011
Time : 5pm-8pm
Venue : KOMTAR, Pedestrian Walk and along many streets of Penang
During the Muslim Fasting Month, a sumptuous array of food, local delicacies, festive cookies, clothing and religious items will be sold at a month-long evening Ramadhan Bazaar.Ajovial mood pervades the bazaar as people go about their merry business of shopping for food to break fast and also to hunt for the best bargains.

After the month-long fasting, Hari Raya will be celebrated by visiting relatives and friends.

NUZUL AL QURAN

Date : 17 August 2011
On the 17th day of the holy Ramadhan month, a national-level celebration called the Nuzul Al-Quran is held to commemorate the day Prophet Muhammad SAW first received the Scriptures from Heaven. It is observed as a public holiday in most states in Malaysia.

MERDEKA COUNTDOWN

Date : 30 August 2011
Time : 7pm-12midnight
Venue : Auto-City, Juru
Merdeka Countdowns are part of the Merdeka Celebration and one such countdown not-to-be-missed is held at Auto-City. This Countdown is festive, fun and feature performances by local and international artistes as well as spectacular fireworks at the stroke of midnight.
Organiser: Auto-City
Tel : +604-501 1222
Website : www.autocity.com.my

MERDEKA CELEBRATION

Date : 31 August 2011
Venue : To be confirmed
The joyous celebration of Malaysia's 54th year of independence or 'Merdeka' in the Malay language will showcase a performance of colorful parades.
Citizens and political figures will gather as one with a patriotic spirit to express their respect for the 'Jalur Gemilang1 (National Flag) by singing the national anthem 'Negaraku'.
Organiser : Penang State Government Tel : +604-262 1957 (Penang State Secretariat)

HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI

Date : 30 & 31 August 2011
In Malaysia, the Muslims celebrate the start of the month of Syawal by having open houses for their family and friends. Guests can enjoy a variety of traditional Malay cuisine and mouth¬watering selection of local delicacies. During this joyous celebration, it is also customary for them to wear their traditional Malay attires.
Another popular practice is the giving of "duit raya", money gifted to children, elders or to the poor in little green packets.

ALL-STAR NATIONAL CHINGAY COMPETITION

Date : 3 September 2011
Time : 7pm-11 pm
Venue : Esplanade, Penang
Look forward to chingay star contestants showing off their creativity, flexibility and superb skills with stunts in balancing the towering flag poles on their fingers, foreheads, shoulders and teeth. Organiser: Penang Tourism Development & Culture Office Tel : +604-650 5136 / +604-261 9012 Email : [email protected] Website : www.visitpenang.gov.my

MID-AUTUMN LANTERN FESTIVAL

Date : 11 September 2011 Time : 7pm onwards Venue : Esplanade, Penang The Mid-Autumn Festival commonly known in Malaysia as the Lantern and Moon Cake Festival is a popular East Asian celebration of abundance and togetherness. Dating back 3,000 years to China's Zhou Dynasty, this moon gazing and lantern parading is celebrated in honour of Chang Er, the beautiful wife of tyrannical ruler and archer Hou Yi.
It's a time for family members and friends to gather around to gaze at and admire the full moon while savouring moon cakes, mini yams, water caltrops, ground nuts, pomeloes and Chinese tea. The actual date for the Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival falls on 12 September 2011.

Date 27 September - 5 October 2011 The Nine Emperor Gods Festival (Kew Ong Yeah) is celebrated on the 1st till the 9th day of the ninth month in the lunar calendar. It's celebrated for the spirits of the Nine Gods to descend upon the earth by possessing spirit mediums and putting them in a trance.Throughout this festival, many rituals such as skewering and fire walking ceremonies are carried out. Devotees also practise a vegetarian diet for these nine days.

On the last day, the Gods are sent off through a procession leading to the sea on an "Emperor Boat" accompanied by many other colourful floats.

EVENT

NINE EMPEROR GODS FESTIVAL

Date : 27 September - 5 October 2011
Time : 9am-11pm
Venue : • Rumah Berhala Tow Boo Kong • Burmah Road • Macallum St Ghaut • Jelutong • Noordin Street
• Farlim • Butterworth • Bukit Mertajam Organiser: Tow Boo Kong Association Tel :+604-331 8717 Website : www.towbookong.org.my
Contact : Penang Tourism Development & Culture Office
Tel : +604-650 5136/+604-261 9012

NAVARATHIRI FESTIVAL

Date : 27 September-6 October 2011
Time : 6pm-10pm
Venue : Along the Streets of George Town
The Navarathiri Festival is a Hindu religious festival similar to the famous Chinese Nine Emperor Gods celebration. For 9 days, devotees pray to the Goddess Thurga, Goddess Laxmi and Goddess Sarawathy in hopes of power, wealth and education.A chariot procession also takes place on the final day of the festival.
Organiser: Penang Hindu Endownment Board
Tel :+604-650 5215

MEAN MACHINES 2011

Date Time Venue 15 - 16 October 2011 12noon-12midnight Auto-City, Juru
Organiser : Intrenasionale
Tel : +604-646 7866
Web : www.meanmachines.my
The Mean Machines is the largest outdoor motorsport and motoring event in Malaysia. More than 500 modified cars, supercars, classic cars and club cars will be on display together with more than 50 of the leading after-market auto-accessories company exhibiting at the event. Some notable events at Mean Machines include the Meanest Modified Car Competition, SuperCar Charity Drive and Showcase, Classic Car Gymkhana, Drift Demonstrations, Superbike and Classic-Bike Gathering and the Search for Miss Mean Machines.

DEEPAVALI

Date : 26 October 2011
This colorful festival is also known as "The Festival of Lights" and is celebrated by the Hindus. Oil lamps are lit and decorated in their homes on Deepavali morning as a way of thanking the gods for happiness, knowledge, peace and wealth.
Many cultural performances, activities and delicious Indian cuisine will be served and will take place during the celebration.

PENANG INTERNATIONAL MASS WEDDING CEREMONY

Date : 11 November 2011
Time : 10am-9pm
Venue : Queensbay Mall and Moral Uplifting Society Hall
Love literally fills the air during this time of the year when couples come together for a Mass Wedding Registration. "A Carnival of Love Bridal Show" will also be held simultaneously offering special packages with fantastic deals that include recording of the registration ceremony, photography as well as wedding banquets, etc. Bridal couples will also be given opportunities to win fabulous prizes that consist of Romantic Getaways. Foreign couples also come to Penang to hold their ceremony here.
Organiser: Penang Tourism Developments Culture Office &The Star Publications Sdn Bhd
Tel : +604-650 5136 / +604-261 9012 / +6012-410 0418 (The Star)

PENANG BRIDGE INTERNATIONAL MARATHON

Date : 20 November 2011
Time : 2am-10am
Venue : Queensbay, Penang & Penang Bridge The Penang Bridge International Marathon fPBIM) has been held every year since 1985.This marathon attracts people from all over the world to come together in Penang to run across the Penang Bridge which at 13.5km, is one of the longest bridges in South East Asia. The Penang Bridge International Marathon is the biggest running event in Malaysia and on this day it is the only time the bridge is ever closed to public. This thrilling event is much-anticipated by sport enthusiasts as trophies, finisher medals, and certificates are given out among other prizes.
Organiser: Penang Tourism Development
S Culture Office Marathon Hotline : +6016-411 0000 Tel :+604-650 5136/+604-261 9012 Fax : +604-261 8744
Email : [email protected]

AWAL MUHARRAM

Date : 27 November 2011
Ma'al Hijrah is an Islamic festival that is celebrated by the Muslim population in Malaysia with much joy.
It falls on the 10th of January in the Gregorian Calendar and marks the beginning of the Islamic month of Muharram.

PESTA DRAGON BOAT RACE

Date : 10 & 11 December 2011
Time : 9am-6pm
Venue : Teluk Bahang Dam, Penang
This event is held in conjunction with Pesta Pulau Pinang and is a tradition to honor the "spirit of the dragon" and the spirit of unity as they work together as a team for one common purpose.
Enjoy a weekend of pulsating thrills and spills to the tune of vigorous beating of drums, strong thrust of oars and various stage performances as the dragon boat teams battle it out in the water to be the champions.
Organiser : Penang International Dragon Boat
Festival (PIDBF) Committee
Tel : +604-650 5136 / +604-261 9012
Email : [email protected]. my Web : www.penangdragonboat.gov.my

PESTA CHINGAY, LION & DRAGON DANCE PARADE

Date : 17 December 201
1 Time : 7.30pm-11pm
Venue : Padang Brown to City Hall, Esplanade
The Chingay and Lion Dance troupe members will display their skills in balancing stilt poles during this annual street parade. The parade begins from Padang Brown and pass through the main streets of George Town before ending at Esplanade. There would also be giant colourful flags and floats, lion and dragon dance performances and a procession of decorative trishaws.
Organiser : Penang Tourism Development & Culture Office
Tel : +604-650 5136 / +604-261 9012
Email : [email protected] Website : www.visitpenang.gov.my

CHRISTMAS

Christmas season is always celebrated with much festivités by hotels and shopping malls as massive Christmas trees with glittering decorations are put up. Special promotions and events are also offered to give people a myriad of choices that are fun-filled.

CHRISTMAS EVE & CHRISTMAS PARTIES AT UPPER PENANG ROAD

24 December 2011
6pm-12midnight
Upper Penang Road
Upper Penang Road Committee
+604-228 8078
Upper Penang Road, a hotspot for festive happenings literally lights up with activities including live band performances and dance shows to ensure patrons have a jolly good time. Date Time Venue Organiser Tel

AUTO-CITY CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN FIESTA

Auto City is another choice venue for party revellers to hang out and celebrate in its many fun-filled activities.
Date 24-26 December 2011
Time 7pm-12midnight
Venue Auto-City, Juru
Organiser Auto-City
Tel +604-501 1222
Website www.autocity.com.my

PENANG CHINGAY, LION & DRAGON DANCE PARADE - BUTTERWORTH

Date : 25 December 2011
Time : 7.30pm-11pm
Venue : MPSP Field, Butterworth, Jalan Bagan Luar to Jalan Raja Uda
The Chingay, Lion and Dragon Dance troupe members will once again perform, this time in Butterworth, Penang.They would be passing through Jalan Bagan Luar to Jalan Raja Uda. Come, watch the parade and start off the year-end celebrations, all happening in the Mainland.
Organiser: PenangTourism Development & Culture Office
Tel : +604-650 5136 / +604-261 9012
Website : www.visitpenang.gov.my

NEW YEAR 2012

EVENTS

NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN 2012

New Year Countdowns are held every year at Esplanade, Penang, Queensbay Mall and Penang Pesta site. These night-long celebrations are filled with exciting entertaining performances and activities.
Before the stroke of midnight, take part in the countdown towards a new year at these venues!
Enjoy a brilliant display of fireworks to usher in the new year.
Date : 31 December 2011
Venue : Esplanade, Penang; Queensbay Mall; Penang Pesta Site, E&O Straits Quay

AUTO-CITY NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN FIESTA

The Auto-City New Year Countdown Fiesta is a celebration filled with popular artistes, entertainment, cultural and musical shows as well as children activities.
Date : 31 December 2011-1 January 2012
Time : 7pm-12midnight
Venue : Auto-City, Juru
Organiser: Auto-City
Tel :+604-501 1222
Website : www.autocity.com.my

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