Malaysia Info Guide
for Locals & Visitors

Muslims in Malaysia celebrates Hari Raya Aidilfitri in a big way after the month of Ramadhan, the Muslim month of fasting and abstinence.

It is very symbolic as it represents victory for Muslims who have successfully undergone a month-long battle of self-restraint and abstinence by fasting.

The celebrations officially begin after the sighting of the crescent in the late evening on the last day of Ramadhan month, usually by religious officials at several vantage points throughout the country. If the crescent is sighted, then the next day is declared as Hari Raya Aidilfitri as it is the first day of the Syawal month.

This is the day Hindus pay homage to Lord Muruga. Devotees converge at the temple of Sri Subramaniam Devasthanan in Batu Berendam to fulfil their vows of gratitude and to cleanse themselves of sins by carrying semi-circular wooden arches with skewers which they pierce through their skins. The devotees who subject themselves to this gruelling act of faith are under a trance.

Thaipusam is normally celebrated with a parade of the devotees, their families and friends, along the streets in the evening. The procession can sometimes continue through the night.

Near Kuala Lumpur this celebration takes place in the famous Batu Caves.

Only at the Portuguese Settlement in Melaka, one could find the Festa de San Pedro that celebrates the birthday of San Pedro, the patron saint of fishermen, a tradition kept alive for more than 500 years.

As part of the celebration, colourfully decorated fishing boats are blessed and prayers are offered for a better season, similar to the Geysey Barco (Blessing of the Fleet), traditionally held off Lisbon. Also, witness the multicoloured float procession that begins from A' Famosa in Bandar Hilir and ends at the Portuguese Settlement.

At the Portuguese Square, one can see traditional dances and music such as Branyo, Chirkoti and Serempah de Mar. The week-long festival usually includes competition for the best-decorated boat, the best langgiang fisherman (the one who brings in the biggest catch of shrimps) and also a contest for the best cook of traditional dishes.

It is a traditional Portuguese-Eurasion feast that sees the gathering of hundreds of Portuguese at the chapel on top of St John's Hill.

Celebrated annually in April.

The Chap Goh Meh Festival marks the 15th day and the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. In ancient China, young maidens and spinsters would throw oranges into rivers, a gesture of hope to wed good husbands. This practice is predominant in Penang. If you are interested, head for the Esplanade, along Gurney Drive where this old custom is reenacted under the auspices of Chinese associations.

On the same day, a procession in honour of the Chinese deity, Tua Peh Kong, is held in the heart of Georgetown, Penang. Sometimes, 'Chingay', a flag-balancing procession is also included.