Festivals in Penang 2011
Hindu festivals on Penang are colourful affairs
The many communities of Penang such as the Malays, Chinese and Indians each boast of their own cultural and religious celebrations which means the island is more often than not a veritable tapestry of colours. Tourists are more than welcome to join in the fun and local people are always keen to explain the significance of the different ceremonies and events.
But it is important not to cause offence during religious festivals in Penang by inappropriate clothing, saying the wrong thing or perhaps presuming people of a specific ethnic group will be joining in certain celebrations. Some Chinese or Indian Penangites could be devout Christians and as unlikely to join in Thaipusam as any baptist preacher from the southern USA. Avoid taking photographs unless you are absolutely sure it is permitted. More on Penang etiquette.
Penang festivals in January
New Year
The start of the year brings a huge party to Penang with nightclubs putting on special evenings of entertainments and an army of hip young people painting the town red. Fireworks great midnight with a dazzling array of colour with the revolving restaurant of the City Bayview Hotel are prime spots to see in 2011, while all of the beach resorts along the coast will be hosting their own champagne-fueled parties. More on Penang hotels.
Thaipusam
Thaipusam, which commemorates Lord Murugan’s birth and how he defeated the evil demon Soorapadman, falls on January 20 in 2011. Thousands of devotees throng the island every year to witness this epic spectacle where Hindus transport magnificent kavadis pierced into their bodies. This three-day Penang festival includes a procession of the silver chariot containing Lord Murugan’s statue to a hilltop temple in Waterfall Road.
Penang festivals in February
Chinese New Year is very important here
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is one of the most important Penang festivals due to the huge Asian population here. It is celebrated for 15 days and is a time to for family reunions, to seek forgiveness and pray for prosperity. Th’nee Kong Seh (Jade Emperor’s Birthday) is commemorated by the Hokkien community while Chap Goh Meh (Chinese Valentine’s Day) is when young maidens ride trishaws along the picturesque Esplanade to seek out a soul mate. Chinese New Year falls on February 3 in 2011.
Penang festivals in March
Mawlid (Prophet’s Birthday)
The Islamic Penang festival of Mawlid is intended to mark the Prophet’s birthday and falls on March 15 in 2011. An official holiday in the whole of Malaysia, it is characterised by brightly decorated mosques, an a carnival-like parade throughout the streets of Penang.
Penang festivals in April
Qing Ming
Otherwise known as the Pure Brightness or Tombs Sweeping Festival, Qing Ming is a time for Chinese people to worship their departed ancestors. Far from a morbid affair, graveyards become like picnic sites with relatives coming from all over the country to make offerings of ‘hell money’, joss sticks, food and paper replicas of luxury mod cons such as lingerie, mobile phones or sports cars. Qing Ming falls on April 5 in 2011.
Penang festivals in May
Worker’s Day
May 1 is a national holiday in Penang and all over Malaysia when many tourist attractions and commercial businesses close their doors in order to commemorate the many achievement of the nation’s workers.
Penang festivals in June
Fiesta San Juan/Fiesta San Pedro
Festa San Juan begins a week of celebration on June 23 that culminates in the Festa San Pedro of June 29. Although mainly a celebration of Malacca’s Portuguese Settlement, festivities also take place in Penang. The Christain and Eurasian communities of the island organise parades with food and drink plus religious celebrations centred around the historic churches of the city.
Penang festivals in July
Hungry Ghost Festival
The seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar is when the gates of hell are blown open and spirits are able to freely roam the earth. So Chinese Buddhists and Taoists make nightly offerings of food for wandering spirits during this month while temples arrange free stage performances entertain departed souls. Spirits return to the underworld at midnight on the 30th day while paper devils are burned. Ghost month is July 31 to August 28 in 2011 with festival day on August 14.
The annual Penang Jazz Festival in December
Penang festivals in August
Malaysia’s National Day
On August 31, 1957, the Union Flag was finally removed from the flagpole at at Dataran Merdeka in KL and the Malayan flag was raised in its place. Hundreds of years of conflict between colonists and different ethnic groups was put to rest and the nation was at peace. This day is still celebrated in Penang with fireworks and exhibitions. More on the history of Penang.
Penang festivals in September
Lantern or Moon Cake Festival (Mid-Autumn Festival)
Mooncake Festival marks a 14th century Chinese uprising against the Mongol Yuan Dynasty when revolutionary messages intended for rebels were hidden in the sweet desert. Children in Penang carry intricate plastic and paper lanterns around Chinatown to celebrate this time, with many varieties from traditional red bean paste filling to modern chocolate and cheese mooncakes available to try. This Penang festival takes place on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar, which is September 12 in 2011.
Penang festivals in October
Thaipusam is a gruesome spectacle
Hari Raya
Hari Raya is amongst the most auspicious Muslim festivals in Penang which marks the end of the Ramadhan month of fasting. Translating literally as ‘Celebration Day’, this Penang festival is when many Malays reunite with family members they perhaps have not seen for a long time.
Nine Emperor Gods Festival
This Taoist festival in Penang (otherwise known as Kow Ong Yah) is celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth moon of the Chinese lunar calendar. Devotees observe a strict nine-day vegetarian diet in order to purify themselves and fulfill vows to the Nine Emperors of Mankind. Vegetarian food stalls decorated with yellow banners line the street in what has become a culinary delight of modern Penang. This Penang festival falls from October 8 – 16 in 2011.
Penang festivals in November
Deepavali (Diwali)
This Hindu ‘festival of lights’ is the main annual celebration for Hindu Penangites from the subcontinent. Thanksgiving prayers and cleansing rituals take place in temples as well as at household altars, while Indian homes are lavishly decorated with flowers.
Delicious Indian delicacies and sweets are prepared for Deepavali, while families come together and call on friends in the neighbourhood.
Penang festivals in December
Christmas
Christmas in Penang is may not feature snow and Santa Claus but it is still widely celebrated, especially amongst the island’s burgeoning Christian population. All the historic churches of Penang have carol singing and midnight processions and the exchanging of gifts is commonplace. The hotels and resorts of Batu Ferringhi even put on a turkey spread for the expats to enjoy.
