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ARTS & CULTURE
Malaysia has a rich and colourful cultural heritage. Many of the
traditional arts, culture and crafts are diligently kept alive by the
various communities. Traditional dances and music hold a ' special
place in the performing arts and every community has something to
present at festivals or special occasions. Aside from religious
festivals, Malaysians find many occasions to celebrate. There are a
large number of public festivals and parades at certain times of the
year.
Some of these include the Penang street festival known as Chingay, the
National Day or 'Merdeka' celebration in Kuala Lumpur on August 31 and
the 'Colours of Malaysia' which showcases the cultural heritage of the
13 states consisting of a grand procession as well as traditional
dance performances and food promotion at participating hotels and
complexes in Kuala Lumpur in September. In Kelantan, a colourful
display of giant kites weave in the wind in late May in the
International Kite Festival which draws participants from the region
and follower enthusiasts from Europe and Japan.
Most states have performance venues for staging dance and music
festivals, while top restaurants in the high-density tourist areas
also provide stages or open halls where these activities can be
observed and enjoyed. A good time to observe these performances is
during the festivals held by each ethnic group such as at Hari Raya
and Chinese New Year. Traditional games are usually played in the
kampungs (villages). These are especially important to the Malay
community and most have been preserved in their original forms. There
are numerous cultural activities and festivals taking place throughout
the year. All are guaranteed to make memorable experiences and
interesting snapshots for the visitor to take home.
FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS
Malaysia is a veritable
land of festivals and celebrations. The major festivals of its
multi-racial communities are celebrated to mark important events or
days in their religious calendars. Most of them are colourful
occasions when centuries-old customs and traditions are still
observed. Prior to major festivals, there is usually a feverish burst
of activity as people from the urban centres make the annual exodus to
their hometowns while in individual homes earnest preparations are
made in anticipation of the auspicious day.
Getting the house in order with extensive spring cleaning and
decorations, shopping for new clothes, festival delicacies and
stocking ample food is the norm. The holding of 'open house' by the
different communities during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New
Year, Deepavah, Christmas, Gawai and Ka'amatan festivals is a
heart-warning feature unique to Malaysian society. Such gatherings
foster goodwill and provide the opportunity to renew social ties in a
convivial atmosphere with the hosts usually feting their guests to a
generous spread of food and drinks.
There are many other exciting international, national and state events
that take place throughout the year around the country. Some have
become regular tourist attractions. Tourism Malaysia publishes an
annual Calendar of Events which provides a listing of the most
important events held throughout the country. |
Information
provided by
Malaysia Tourism
Promotion Board.
