sarawakFestivals

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Sarawak Festival Events

GAWAI DAYAK -The Ibans, Orang Ulu and the Bidayuh of Sarawak celebrate Gawai Dayak or the rice harvesting season. this festival is especially enchanting as traditional ceremonies and dances are held in the various 'long houses' or communal homes around the State. Visitors will be able o partake of tuak and other traditional delicacies such as chicken cooked in bamboo and more at 'open houses' held throughout the 'Land of Hornbills'

RAINFOREST WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL
Sarawak Cultural Village, Damai, Sarawak

Enjoy the workshops, jam sessions, lectures and evening performances of this music festival on the main stage of the Sarawak Cultural Village, a unique and award winning living museum. This festival for music lovers encourages hands-on participation and interaction between musicians and aficionados. Synthetic and traditional music blend with the sounds of the forest in this magical outdoor festival.

SARAWAK REGATTA
Kuching, Sarawak

The Sarawak Regatta at the popular Kuching Waterfront is expected to draw thousands of people from all walks of life. This event is an offshoot of the Baram Regatta that was originally a contest between traditionally huge war canoes.
Much awaited by locals and visitors alike, the excitement of war-like and bygone days is rekindled as the states expert boatmen take up their paddles to prove their prowess while jet-ski and kayak racing promise to add to the adrenaline-pumping action.

FESTIVALS 2006

We welcome you to Malaysia with its alluring potpourri of fascinating cultures, languages, religions and cuisine. With the cultural and social integration or interaction between the Malays, Chinese, Indians and the indigenous KadazanDusun, Ibans and other ethnic communities, have resulted in a colourful melting pot of races living together in harmony and peace. There's never a dull moment as Malaysians come together to celebrate the myriad festivals, traditions and cultural activities throughout the year. Everything is overwhelmed with excitement and enjoyable way of life. You have to experience it! Malaysians eagerly shares their festive joy with friends and visitors alike. Come to Malaysia, Truly Asia

JANUARY 29 - 30 CHINESE NEW YEAR

Throughout Malaysia 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

FEBRUARY 1 FEDERAL TERRITORY DAY

Kuala Lumpur, Labuan & Putrajaya
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.

FEBRUARY 11* THAIPUSAM

Selangor, Penang, Malacca, Johor and Perak This day of penance and thanksgiving for Hindu devotees is held in honour of Lord Muruga or Lord Subramaniam. The festival is best experienced in Kuala Lumpur where the deity's jeweled chariot is led in a mass procession through the streets of the city, culminating at the Batu Caves in Selangor. An unforgettable sight is the thousands of devotees in a trance-like state carrying body-piercing kavadis or ornate frames. Thaipusam is celebrated on a big scale in Selangor, Penang, Malacca, Johor and Perak.

FEBRUARY 11* THAIPUSAM

MAY 30 - 31 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

JUNE 1 - 2 GAWAI DAYAK

Sarawak 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'.

JUNE 3 THE BIRTHDAY OF HIS MAJESTY THE YANG DI-PERTUAN AGONG

Kuala Lumpur As a constitutional monarchy, are nation celebrates the official birthday of His Majesty, the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong (the King of Malaysia) on June 3, 2006. 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.

AUGUST 17 - SEPT 16 MERDEKA MONTH CELEBRATION

Throughout Malaysia August 31, 2006 commemorates Malaysia's 49th year of independence. This historic event is celebrated in joyous mood by Malaysians from all walks of life over a one-month period. Malaysians display their love for the country by proudly flying 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

SEPTEMBER 24 - OCT 23* BAZAAR RAMADHAN

Throughout Malaysia The Bazaar Ramadhan is an interesting scene in Malaysia coinciding with the Muslim fasting month. During this season, numerous colourful and aromatic roadside stalls can be found in Kuala Lumpur and elsewhere offering a delightful array of traditional Malay dishes and delicacies for the breaking of the daily fast. Non-Muslims also take the opportunity to sample the variety of food available.

OCTOBER 6 MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL

Throughout Malaysia The Mid-Autumn Festival also known as the Moon Cake Festival had its origins during a time of war and oppression in 4th century China. Today, the event provides an opportunity for Malaysian children of all races to participate in colourful lantern competitions and processions in a spirit of unity and goodwill. Sample the variety of delicious moon cakes available during this season.

OCTOBER 21 DEEPAVALI

Throughout Malaysia 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.

OCTOBER 21 DEEPAVALI

OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22 HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI

Throughout Malaysia 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.

DECEMBER 25 CHRISTMAS

Throughout Malaysia 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.

Kualalumpur

Penang

Sarawak

Sabah

Langkawi

Selangor

Genting