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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. |
