Penang Festival and event
Chinese New Year. Falls on 2 February this year (2011). This will be the year of the Rabbit. Fourteen days later, during the full moon, there is a festival in which the gods from numerous temples around the island are brought out for a procession, with the route including Chulia Street.
Thaipusam. A Hindu festival celebrated mostly by the Tamil community on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan/Feb). This year it will be on 30 January.
Vesak (Wesak). A Buddhist festival celebrated mainly by the Chinese community on the full moon of the 5th or 6th lunar month. It is characterized by a street parade. Temples will typically be filled with devotees and there will be a variety of activities by the various Buddhist associations and societies on this day.
Penang International Dragon Boat Festival has been staged annually since 1979 and has successfully attracted teams from all over the world including Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Indonesia, the Netherlands, the Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Canada, and the USA. The event is now usually held at the Teluk Bahang Dam.
Penang Bon Odori Carnival . A Japanese traditional carnival usually with drum and dance performances.
The Feast of St. Anne . 29 July. Venue: St. Anne's Church, Bukit Mertajam. A Christian religious festival that includes a candle-light procession at the church.
Nine Emperor Gods vegetarian festival is held at Taoist temples for 9 days of the 9th lunar month in the Chinese calendar, normally at the end of Sept or Oct.
Deepavali. Falls on 5 November, 2010. The Hindu 'Festival of Lights' which, according to legend, celebrates the triumph of Lord Rama over the demon Raavana.
Penang Floral Festival. Held at the Penang Botanic Gardens annually.
Penang Bridge Marathon. 21 November 2010. Participants run on the Penang Bridge (13.5 km long) and along a scenic coastal highway. This is the only time of the year when the bridge is closed for several hours.
Vesak (Wesak). A Buddhist festival celebrated mainly by the Chinese community on the full moon of the 5th or 6th lunar month. It is characterized by a street parade. Temples will typically be filled with devotees and there will be a variety of activities by the various Buddhist associations and societies on this day.
Penang International Dragon Boat Festival has been staged annually since 1979 and has successfully attracted teams from all over the world including Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Indonesia, the Netherlands, the Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Canada, and the USA. The event is now usually held at the Teluk Bahang Dam.
Penang Bon Odori Carnival . A Japanese traditional carnival usually with drum and dance performances.
The Feast of St. Anne . 29 July. Venue: St. Anne's Church, Bukit Mertajam. A Christian religious festival that includes a candle-light procession at the church.
Nine Emperor Gods vegetarian festival is held at Taoist temples for 9 days of the 9th lunar month in the Chinese calendar, normally at the end of Sept or Oct.
Deepavali. Falls on 5 November, 2010. The Hindu 'Festival of Lights' which, according to legend, celebrates the triumph of Lord Rama over the demon Raavana.
Penang Floral Festival. Held at the Penang Botanic Gardens annually.
Penang Bridge Marathon. 21 November 2010. Participants run on the Penang Bridge (13.5 km long) and along a scenic coastal highway. This is the only time of the year when the bridge is closed for several hours.