What governs Penang’s uniqueness is mainly the multi-racial communities that have been residing in this Malaysian state for three generations, if not more. With them come the myriad flavours that have catapulted Penang into being one of the best food cities in the world. Although, Penang is much more than just exotic flavours that can make your taste buds dance. Prettily framing this, due to the multi-cultural factor, are the colourful and immensely memorable festivals that happen all year around in Penang.
Due to this, 2015 has been announced as Visit Penang Year. This is when the state will showcase all the festivals – including religious, cultural and arts – that happen each month of the year in Penang.
Most will already know of the acrobatic lion dances that happen on Penang’s streets during Chinese New Year in February, the intricate weaving of ketupat during Hari Raya Aidilfitri in July and the unbelievable body piercings that are on display during Thaipusam. However, there are also the more gentle stirrings of sweet rice in round pots over open fire during Ponggal in January and the twice a year stamina-testing sport of the Dragon Boat Festival that attracts teams from all over the world.
Besides these, home-grown arts festivals unique to Penang such as the month-long George Town Festival and the long-running Penang Island Jazz Festival are quickly becoming a sole reason for global travellers to descend on this state around August and December, respectively.
Truly, Penang is where the festivities never end and in this year of festivals, the Fabulous February Fiesta sees Thaipusam, the Hot Air Balloon festival where visitors are able to experience hovering above solid ground along with the already robust Chinese New Year celebrations and Tropfest SEA festival that showcases original short films.
Then in May, the awesome Penang Anime Matsuri Summer Party is set to be a magnet for fans of this genre from all over the region.
Another thing to watch out for throughout the year is the Last Friday, Saturday and Sunday or LFSS programme that happens each month in George Town. Here’s when cultural shows, music performances in Penang Botanic Gardens and interesting walkabout tours happen and most of them are free!
So, through January to December of 2015 we look forward to welcoming you with a colourful, if not an unforgettable festival. Penang’s truly ‘Where the Festivities Never End’.
For more updates, please log onto mypenang.gov.my/vpy
Festivals of Penang 2015
January
- 16th: Ponggal
February
- 1st: Tropfest Southeast Asia
- 3rd: Thaipusam
- 19th & 20th: Chinese New Year
- 21st & 22nd: Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
- 26th: Hokkien New Year
March
- 5th: Chap Goh Meh
- 7th: Penang Yosakoi
April
- 11th & 12th: Penang World Music Festival
- 13th: Songkran Festival
May
- 23rd & 24th: Penang Anime Matsuri Summer Party
June
- 1st June to 31st July: Penang Durian Festival
- 1st: Wesak Day
- 6th & 7th: Penang International Dragon Boat Festival
- 14th: Penang Bridge Half Marathon
July
- 7th: George Town World Heritage Day
- 18th & 19th: Hari Raya Aidilfitri
- 25th: Penang Bon Odori
- 26th: St Anne’s Festival
August
- 1st to 31st: George Town Festival
- 31st: Merdeka Parade
September
- 12th & 13th: Malaysia International Lion Dance on Stilts Competition
- 16th: Malaysia Day
- 27th: Mid-Autumn Festival
- 23rd: Hari Raya Haji
October
- 13th to 21st: Nine Emperor Gods Festival
- 14th: Awal Muharram
November
- 11th: Deepavali
- 22nd: Penang Bridge International Marathon
- 27th to 29th: George Town Literary Festival
- 30th Nov to 2nd Dec: The In- between Arts Festival
December
- 3rd to 6th: Penang Island Jazz Festival
- 13th: Penang Pesta Chingay Parade
- 25th: Christmas
-Penang Global Tourism.
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