January

Thaipusam
30 January 2010   
Thaipusam is an annual Hindu festival where devotees perform various rituals and carry ‘kavadis’ or ornate frames as acts of devotion and penance. The main venue is the world-renowned Batu Caves temple, set within a limestone cave. A massive crowd made up of locals and foreigners will make Thaipusam an extraordinary spectacle. 

February

Kek Lok Si Temple Display of Lights
6 February 2010 Until 14 February 2010  
During the Chinese New Year (CNY) celebrations, approximately 230,000 light bulbs and 10,000 lanterns will be lighted up every night for 33 days in conjunction with CNY. The temple is particularly impressive as it remains open until late at night, while the thousands of lights turn the scenery into a sea of light.
  
Chinese New Year
14 February 2010 Until 15 February 2010  
Chinese New Year is a time for celebration and merrymaking. Family reunion feasts and open houses are a common feature and children receive ‘ang pows’ or little red money packets from the elders. Don’t miss the exciting lion and dragon dance performances at shopping malls and homes!

Chap Goh Meh Celebration
27 February 2010 Until 27 February 2010  
Chap Goh Meh, also known as Chinese Valentine's Day, is a time for young maidens to ride along the scenic Esplanade in trishaws, seeking out their soul mate. As part of the tradition, the women will throw oranges into the sea while wishing for a good husband. The 15th night of the Lunar New Year is celebrated with joy and excitement to mark the end of the festivities.
  
Venue:
Esplanade

March

GO Penang International: Go-kart & Food Festival 
12 March 2010 Until 14 March 2010  
GO Penang International 2010 is a three-day celebration to kick off the Visit Penang Year 2010 – 2012 - a platform for visitors to enjoy the distinctiveness and uniqueness of Penang in which we hope to attract more outstation visitors and foreign tourists to come to Penang for a good time and to enjoy all we have to offer them!
  
Venue:
Esplanade

Penang Orchid Festival
14 March 2010 Until 21 March 2010  
A splendour road show of orchids and breathtaking display of over 300 orchids of 35 species showcased by experienced and dedicated orchid growers throughout Malaysia.
  
Venue:
Botanical Gardens

April

Water Festival or Songkran
13 April 2010 
Water Festival is the traditional Thai New Year celebrated yearly by the Thai Community in Penang. Songkran is a Thai word which means a "move" or "change" as it is the day when the sun changes its position in the Zodiac. It is also known as the "Water Festival" as people believe that water, sometimes mixed with fragrant herbs will wash away bad luck. Besides the throwing of water, devotees may also go to a wat (Buddhist monastery) to pray and give food to monks.

Venue: Wat Chayamangkalaram Thai Buddhist Temple & Dharmikara Burmese Buddhist Temple, Lorong Burma, Pulau Tikus, Penang.

Miniature Show  In Gallery 29
23 April 2010


May  

Wesak Day
28 May 2010 
Wesak Day marks the birth, enlightenment and passing of Gautama Buddha. Buddhists all over the country celebrate this day with religious offerings and rituals which are usually held at Buddhist temples. Be awed by the grand processions that take place at night.

Venue: Malaysia Buddhist Association, Burmah Road

Penang Durian & Fruits Festival
End of May-Early July
Durian is one of the popular fruit in Pennag and a musttry for first timers. During this fruit festival, there will be ample local fruits displayed to quench your appetite for the famous fruits of Penang.

June

Penang Floral Festival 2010
6 June 2010 Until 13 June 2010  
Don't forget to bring along your camera to snap photos of the beautiful trees and unique plants in the decorated gardens.
  
Venue:
Botanical Gardens

Hash House Harrier Penang 2,000 Run
25-27 June 2010
An estimated 600 participants from all over the world will be attending the 2000th run. It is a run to instill healthy lifestyle amidst a merry atmosphere during the after-run happy hour among the Hash Harriers

Venue: 
George Town Heritage Area


July

UNESCO World Heritage City Celebration
7 July 2010 Until 7 July 2010  
George Town was accorded the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List of Cities and Sights for its 'outstanding universal value' on 7 July, 2008. A month long celebration filled with cultural and music shows, traditional crafts demonstrations and exhibitions awaits you.
  
Venue:
George Town

Bon Odori Festival 2010
17 July 2010
A Traditional and Merry Japanese festival with dance and lively drum performances held, to welcome the homecoming of ancestral spirits.

Venue: 
Esplanade, penang

St. Anne's Feast
21-25 July 2010
A ten day prayer ritual that draws many believers from all walks of life. In conjuction with the annual St. Anne's feast, a Night of Candle Light Procession usually follows at the church grounds.

Venue:
St. Anne's Church, Bukit Mertajam

Dragon Boat 1st Club Crew Championship for Commonwealth Countries 
23 July 2010 Until 25 July 2010  
This is the first ever held championship among Commonwealth countries. Rowers from different crew clubs, come together to compete in this fastest growing water sports in this region.
  
Venue:
Teluk Bahang Dam
Penang

Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival
24 July 2010 Until 16 September 2010  
Malaysia’s biggest sale is back! Get everything from designer labels, home décor items, computer peripherals to electrical appliances at irresistible prices!

August

All-Star National Chingay Competition
7 August 2010  
It is a competition of balancing giant flags with outstanding acrobatic stunts for your enjoyment and anticipation. An exciting and stunning competition not to be missed!
  
Venue:
Esplanade

Hungry Ghost Festival
10 Aug-07 September 2010
The Chinese believes that on the 7th Lunar month the Gates of Hell will open and the hungry ghosts will be free to roam in the living world for a month. various live performances like Chinese Opera, dramas and musical shows will be held to keep you entertained for a merry event.

Bazaar Ramadhan
11 August 2010 Until 9 September 2010  
As the fasting month begins, stalls and bazaars sprout around the city, offering an array of delicious fare for Muslims to break their fast. Sample the authentic delights or watch the cooking demonstrations.
  

Merdeka Day Celebration
31 August 2010 Until 31 August 2010  
Malaysia’s 53rd national day will be celebrated with parades, firework displays, concerts and other interesting activities. Celebrations will be held throughout the country to mark this special occasion. Join in the festivities and share the joy as people from all walks of life come together as one.
  
September

Hari Raya Aidil Fitri
10 September 2010 Until 11 September 2010  
After fasting from dawn to dusk for a month, Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a day that signifies victory for Muslims everywhere. On this special day, Muslims attend special morning prayers in mosques and visit the cemeteries of their loved ones. Decked in their traditional finery, friends and family from near and far come together to celebrate this joyous occasion. There will be lots of tasty delicacies to make the celebration memorable!

International Lion Dance on stilts Competition
11 September 2010
Lion and dragon dance originated from chinese culture and tradition. It is a copetition full of action and excitement. Teams from China, Hong Kong, Taipei, Brunei, Thailand, Singapore, Philipines and Indonesia will be joining our Malaysian teams to fight for the championship title.

Venue:Han Chiang Stadium


October

Lantern Festival
2 october 2010 
Celebrated in the eighth month of the Chinese Lunar calendar, the Lantern Festival is a delightful event for visitors of all ages. The highlight will be a lantern procession where children and adults carry lanterns in various shapes and sizes. Don’t miss the chance to savour tasty mooncakes which are baked specially for this occasion.

Nine Emperor Gods Festival
8-16 Oct 2010
One of the important festivals celebrated in Penang. the Nine Emperor Gods Festival(Kew Ong Yeah) is celebrated on the 1st till 9th day of the Ninth month in the lunar calendar. Many devotees go on vegetarian diet during these 9 days.

November

Fabulous Food 1Malaysia - ASEAN Food Heritage Trail
1 November 2010 Until 30 November 2010  
Malaysia’s cultural diversity lends a unique flavour to its culinary offerings.
Its multi-racial landscape means that all the flavours of Asia can easily be found here. Take your pick from traditional Malay, Chinese, Indian and other ASEAN offerings to indulge in, or tantalise your tastebuds with a variety of international and fusion delights. This event is a great way to get acquainted with Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage.

Deepavali
5 November 2010   
Deepavali or the ‘Festival of Lights’ is celebrated by Hindus with prayers, family gatherings and festivities. Open houses are held where family and friends visit each other and enjoy delicious traditional goodies. (except Labuan and Sarawak).
  
Hari Raya Aidiladha 
17 November 2010 Until 17 November 2010  
Commonly known as Hari Raya Haji, this festival marks the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mekah which is performed by millions of Muslims annually. It is also known as Hari Raya Qurban. Muslims in the country celebrate the festival with prayers and the sacrifice of cattle


December

Pesta Dragon Boat Race
11-12 Dec 2010
For the 2nd tie in our 31 years history, 2010 Pesta Dragon Boat will be held in the sunny island of Penang. A tradition to honor "the spirit of the dragon", which is the spirit of unity for working together as a team on one common purpose.

Chingay, Lion & Dragon Dance Parade
18 Dec 2010
An annual eventful parade ofgiant colourful flags and floats, lion and dragon dance performances from different groups and acrobatic stunts arranged to captivate your entertainment. Besides, you will be amazed by a procession of trishaws decorated with lights, flowers and creative artwork.
Venue: Padang Brown- City Hall 

Christmas 
25 December 2010 Until 25 December 2010  
The Christmas spirit is made merrier with Malaysia’s tropical weather and friendly people. Visitors will be spoilt for choice as there are many restaurants, bistros, shopping malls and hotels that offer great promotions planned specially for the occasion. Join in the celebration and have a sunny Christmas in Malaysia!

Penang Accommodation

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