Festivals and Carnivals Culture of Penang

the penang buddhist association on anson road, built in 1925

george town festival month-long festival celebrating arts, heritage , culture in george town, penang. typically held within month of july since inauguration of george town unesco world heritage site on 7 july 2008 melaka, heritage celebrations held commemorate historical event. support of penang state government, festival grew 3-day heritage celebration in july 2009 become monthlong celebration of cultural performances, theatre, opera, music, dance, film, art exhibitions , more in 2011 , 2012. 2011 george town festival featured host of local talents during tapestry of culture themed heritage celebrations, juxtaposed against international acts such vertical road akram khan company. 2012 george town festival received on 78 local , foreign proposals , showcased local talents, particularly in opening event entitled silat - our heritage world , live heritage - theme of 3-day heritage celebrations, tony yap company , lee wushu, large international acts such manganiyar seduction roysten abel, blinded mind susanna leinonen company, philippine madgrigal singers, sbaek thom - cambodian shadow puppets cambodia living arts, tilak fernando dance troupe sri lanka , australian youth band. 2013 festival promises bigger , better. [1]

chingay penang festival held every year part of chinese new year celebrations , during birthdays of chinese deities. history stretched 1880. @ turn of century, penang became famous giant flags procession . flag bearers carry , balance giant flag poles (some 10m high) on shoulders, chins , foreheads tossing them next bearers. chingay later spread other states , singapore.

penang hosts annual penang international dragon boat festival. established in 1979, event attracts competitors far united states, japan, south africa , netherlands. dragon boat races can trace roots ancient china , have been going on in penang waters since 1934 [2]. current festival held @ teluk bahang dam.

pesta pulau pinang lively , colourful carnival held every year in december.this event held penang state financial department under tapak pesta , expo units , festivity includes open-air concerts, variety shows, food bazaars, fun fairs, exhibitions, pet shows, beauty pageant , many more.

thaipusam annual religious event celebrated hindus commemorate victory of lord murugan on demons. falls on full moon day on tamil tenth month of thai. devotees , penitents can seen bearing kavadis, , piercing bodies hooks , spears without seeming cause pain or harm act of faith , atonement. centre of celebration takes place @ nattukkottai chettiar temple penang @ waterfall road chariot procession ends.

as in other places substantial population of chinese people, chinese new year grand affair in penang, celebrated firecrackers, lion dance, sumptuous feasts , open houses. occasion family reunions, visiting friends , relatives, , gift exchanges.

hari raya aidilfitri muslim celebration comes after 1 month of fasting during ramadhan. joyous celebration brings families , time seek forgiveness 1 another. hindu festival deepavali, known festival of lights, celebrates triumph of on evil.

the hungry ghost festival (phor tor) celebrated on grand scale penang chinese. chinese believe on 15th day of seventh lunar month, gates of hell open , dead souls free roam amongst living. chinese placate hungry ghosts burning incense, making food offerings , performing chinese opera on makeshift stages. @ end of month-long festival, giant effigy of king of hell burned. throughout month, ill-advised travel, go out @ night, swim or wed.