Penang Tourism Calendar of Events

Overview January - December 2013

JAN 13~16 - Pongal Festival JAN 24 - Maulidur Rasul JAN 26~28 - Thaipussam FEB 9 - Chinese New Year Countdown FEB 10~11 - Chinese New Year Celebration FEB 6~MAR 9 - Kek Lok Si Display of Lights FEB 15 - Deity, Chor Soo Kong's Birthday - Snake Festival FEB 16 - Chinese New Year Cultural & Heritage Celebration FEB 17 - Hokkien New Year FEB 23 & 24 - Chap Goh Meh Celebration MAR 30~31 - Penang World Music Festival APR 13 - Thai Water Festival (Songkran) APR 19~21 - Matta Fair 2013 APR 20 - Vasakhi OpenHouse MAY 24 - Wesak Day MAY 25 & 26 - International Lion Dance on Stilts Competition MAY 30~JUN 1 - Auto-City Carnival MAY 25~JUN 2 - Penang Floral Festival 2013 JUN 1~JUL 15 - Penang Durian Fair JUN 7~JUL 7 - Penang UNESCO World Heritage Festival JUN 8~9 - Penang International Dragon Boat Festival JUN 15 - Mr Malaysia 2013

Penang
g e o r g e t o w n

Penang or Pulau Pinang in Bahasa Malaysia, is also known throughout the world as the Pearl of the Orient. And just like the precious pearl which is formed with layers that give it beautiful luster, Penang has many splendours to offer those fall under her spell. From its pristine beaches exotic cultures, rich heritage, quaint architecture to a mouth-watering spread of food. Penang is everything youd expect and whole lot more and was chosen by Yahoo! Travel as the top 10 islands in the world to explore before you die. Situated in the northern region of Malaysia, the

JUN 8 - Penang School Boria Competition JUL 20 - Penang Bon Odori Festival JUL 22~28 - St. Annes Festival JUL 8~AUG 7 - Ramadhan Bazaar 2013 JUL 26 - Nuzul Al-Quran AUG 7~SEP 4 - Penang Hungry Ghost Festival AUG 8~9 - Hari Raya Aidilfitri AUG 30 - Merdeka Countdown SEP 14~16 - Mean Machines 2013 SEP 18 - Pesta Tanglung OCT 5~13 - Nine Emperor Gods Festival - Navratri Festival OCT 31 - Halloween Celebration

NOV 2 - Deepavali NOV 5 - Awal Muharam NOV 17 - Allianz Penang Bridge International Marathon 2013 NOV 23 - 19th Penang International Open Ballroom Dancing Championship DEC 5~8 - Penang Island Jazz Festival DEC 7~8 - Pesta Dragon Boat Race DEC 22 - Pesta Chingay, Lion & Dragon Dance Parade DEC 24 - Christmas Eve & Christmas Parties at Upper Penang Road DEC 24~31 - Auto-City Christmas Eve & New Year Countdown Fiesta DEC 31 - New Year Countdown 2014
Note: All dates are subject to change

state consists of Penang Island and mainland Province Wellesley, also known as Seberang Perai. Measuring approximately 1,046 square kilometers including the mainland, Penang consists of a population of 1.6 million people and is a multi-racial and multi-cultural state just like the rest of the country. Holiday makers will be amazed by exciting activities, whimsical practices, cultural events and religious festivals being celebrated the whole year round. Take a peek and discover what we have lined up for year 2013. You may be so enthralled that staying on to indulge in it all may be the most natural thing to do. For a more authentic experience when exploring the island, stay at one of the unique heritage boutique hotels for a better feel of Penang's colonial and cultural past.

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Pongal Festival
DATE 13 ~ 16 January

Pongal is a Hindu 'thanksgiving' festival traditionally dedicated to the Sun God Surya to thank the solar deity for a bountiful harvest. The word Pongal literally means "boiling over" and refers to the ritual of boiling freshly harvested rice and milk until it spills out of the pot. The boiling over is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the household. The moment the rice boils over and bubbles out of the pot, Hindus will shout "Ponggalo Pongal". In the temples, the rice dish is also prepared while devotees chant prayers. Food such as vegetables, sugar cane and spices are first offered to the gods and later consumed by devotees to cleanse themselves of past sins. The festival takes place every year from the last day of the Tamil month Maargazhi to the third day of Thai.

Maulidur Rasul
DATE 24 January

The celebration commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), one of the most influential figures in human history and his teachings. Maulidur Rasul is one of several auspicious celebrations for Muslims and it is officially celebrated at State level in Penang every year. In conjunction with this special day, the State Government will be organising various activities with the objective of celebrating the history of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.s teachings and in effort to further unite the Muslim Community and once again embrace moments of glory in the civilization of mankind. One of them is a procession from Padang Esplanade to Dewan Sri Pinang. Organiser : Jabatan Agama Islam Pulau Pinang Tel : +604-263 7200

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Thaipusam
DATE TIME VENUE 26 ~ 28 January 6am ~ 11pm from Little India to Waterfall (Jalan Kebun Bunga) via Jalan Dato Keramat

Thaipusam is a major Hindu festival that is celebrated over three days during the full moon of the 10th month in the Hindu calendar. On the eve of Thaipusam, a pilgrimage procession takes place to bring the statue of Lord Muruga on a silver chariot led by more then 60 Kavadis from Little India to the Nattukottai Chettiar Temple atop the hill of Waterfall Road. The tradition of breaking of coconuts is carried out before that to clean the roads for this divine journey. On Thaipusam day, the devotees then go through a physical endurance of being skewered and pierced on the back and front of their bodies as an act of penance. Thunderous loud music, singing, dancing and the beating of drums of devotional songs are the norm during this festival. Upon reaching the temple, devotees will fulfill their vows, offer thanksgiving prayers and do penance as required. On the last day of the festival, the silver chariot with Lord Muruga makes a return trip to the Kovil Veedu (Temple House). On this day, the same activities such as coconut smashing and offerings to the deity are carried out. Organiser : Penang Hindu Endoment Board Tel :+604-6505 136 Website : www.visitpenang.gov.my

Chinese New Year Countdown

DATE TIME 9 February 2013 9pm The Penang State Government will be holding its second Chinese New Year Countdown celebration in collaboration with Astro, which will be broadcasted live on Astro AEC. The program of the night features

VENUE

various performances by local artistes and celebrities, and also includes cultural City Hall, Esplanade Penang performances such as Chingay, LED Dragon Dance and Lion Dance on Stilts. The countdown in Organiser : Penang will be broadcasted simultaneously with Penang State Tourism Development countdowns in four other states in Malaysia. All & Culture Office are welcome to join in the celebration and are Hotline : +6016-411 0000 Tel : +604-650 5136 / +604-261 9012 encouraged to dress in festive Chinese New Year attire to fit with the theme. Fax : +604-261 8744

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Kek Lok Si Display of Lights

DATE VENUE 6 February ~ 9 March Kek Lok Si Temple, Air Itam

Literally translated as the Temple of Supreme Bliss in the Hokkien dialect, the Kek Lok Si Temple is a crowd puller and famous tourist attraction, especially during the Chinese New Year. Devotees from far and wide flock to this 120-year-old temple for an annual lighting ceremony. It is believed that this act of faith will bring them peace, luck and prosperity. Organiser : Kek Lok Si Temple Tel : +604-899 8222

Chinese New Year Celebration

DATE 10 & 11 February

Chinese New Year is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar with each year ushering in a zodiac animal ruling sign. The 2013 is the year of the Snake. Celebrations usually start on the eve when family members gather for a Reunion Dinner. This is followed by having an open house for family and friends to visit one another and give Ang Pows. Lion dances are also performed to welcome auspiciousness into the household and workplace. Every year, the Penang Chief Minister will organize a Chinese New Year Open House and invites the public to join in the celebration. This also allows tourists and foreign visitors to experience how the festival is celebrated in Penang and Malaysia.

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Deity, Chor Soo Kong's Birthday

DATE VENUE 15 February Snake Temple

Penangs famous Snake Temple is dedicated to the deity Chor Soo Kong, and attracts throngs of devotees from far and wide who come to offer prayers especially on the 6th day of Chinese New Year, which is also known as Chor Soo Kong's birthday. Chor Soo Kong is regarded as a protector of jungle snakes, and upon establishment of the temple in the mid- 19th century, snakes have appeared within the temple building, appearing to seek refuge at the shrine which bears a popular name in reference to these serpentine

Snake Temple Celebration

DATE TIME VENUE 15 February 4pm - 12midnight Snake Temple and the stretch of road in front of the temple

As year 2013 is the year of the Snake, the temple will be holding the first Snake Festival in conjunction with the deity's birthday. The program consists of over 20 traditional activities and performances including a "fire watching" ceremony, snake dance, snake charming, snake photography, silk-ball throwing, Chinese Opera, fortune telling, lion and tiger dances, 24 Drums performance, Chinese, Malay and Indian dance, Baba Nyonya shows, arts and craft and more. The festival will also feature more than 100 hawker stalls and demonstrations on how to make traditional food. The proceeds from the sales at the festival will be donated to Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital. Organiser : Hokkien Kongsi and Snake Temple Resident Area Committee Tel : +6012-4860211 / 012-4331918

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Chinese New Year Cultural & Heritage Celebration

DATE TIME VENUE 16 February 2pm to 12.00midnight George Town Heritage Zone

Welcome the year of the Snake with various activities and performances around the heritage areas of George Town. The celebration promotes Penang's intangible heritage like its cultural practices, religious festivals, skills in making traditional arts and craft, traditional performances, food making and more. Learn about the various Clan Associations and its history in Penang, the process of making traditional snacks and dishes, Chinese arts like chess, calligraphy, music and martial arts. Visitors also get to view demonstrations on Chinese knotting, printmaking, paper cutting and opera mask making as well as enjoy snake shows and traditional poem presentations. Organiser : Clan-Association Youth Committee Penang Email: penangcny2013@gmail.com

Hokkien New Year

DATE TIME VENUE 17 February 7pm ~ 12midnight Chew Jetty

The 8th day of Chinese New Year, also known as Thni Kong Seh (Jade Emperor Gods birthday) is celebrated on a big scale by the Hokkien clan to commemorate their forefathers escape in ancient China. At the stroke of midnight, prayers are performed with much gaiety, offering food, fruits, liquor and sugarcane stalks to the Jade Emperor God. Organiser : Chew Jetty Committee Tel : +6012-412 6809

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Chap Goh Meh State Open House

DATE TIME

24 February Open house from 8pm to 9.30pm Esplanade

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Celebrated on the 15th night of the Lunar New Year, it is also known as the Chinese Valentines Day. On this night, with the fullmoon shining down, young ladies of marrying age venture out to popular sea promenades to throw oranges into the sea, wishing for a good soul mate. The Penang State Government will also be organizing an Open House that night featuring delicious Penang cuisine and street food as well as performances and a grand fireworks display.

Penang World Music Festival

DATE TIME VENUE 29 ~ 31 March 2pm ~ 12midnight Quarry Park, Botanical Garden Ticket Purchase Online - www.penangworldmusic.gov.my KOMTAR - Level 1 Information counter - Level 53, Penang State Tourism Development and Culture Office Discovery Overland Holidays - Penang Branch (Tanjung Tokong)

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Penang World Music Festival

The Penang World Music Festival celebrates diversity in world music. It features a repertoire of performances ranging from traditional to fusion and contemporary music. Outstanding artistes from Penang and other states of Malaysia, as well as from other countries around the world bring to the audience an authentic experience in world music and culture. The Penang World Music Festival promises to deliver the ultimate experience for music lovers and is undoubtedly a unique event not to be missed.
Normal

ONE DAY PASS

Adult

RM 8O

Children RM 4 O

A total of 12 bands will be featured at the festival during the two days. Among them are Mu from Portugal, Kimi Djabate (Guinea- Bissau), Nasout (Iran), Alp Bora Quartet (Turkey), Saharadja (Indonesia), Inka Marka (South America), Kalayo (Philippines) and Malaysian bands.

West Africa
(Guinea-Bissau)

MU, Portugal

Philiphines

Thai Water Festival (Songkran)

DATE TIME VENUE

13 April 9am onwards Wat ChayamangkalaranThai Buddhist Temple & Dharmikara Burmese Buddhist Temple (Lorong Burma, Pulau Tikus), Wat RajaphohongBuddhist Temple (Ara Kuda, Bukit Mertajam)

The water festival or Songkran is a traditional Thai festival that is also celebrated in Penang by devotees to wash away bad luck through liberally splashing water on each other. Songkran in Thai means to move or change place and it also denotes the sun change of place in the zodiac system. Organiser: Penang Thai Community

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Matta Fair 2013

DATE TIME VENUE 19 ~ 21 April 11am ~ 9pm Penang International Sports Arena (PISA)

Organiser: MATTA Email : secretariat.penang@matta.org.my Staged annually in Penang, the MATTA (Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents) Fair is a vibrant must-attend 3-day expo. It gives consumers the opportunity to holiday in diverse destinations at fabulous discounts. Here, youll find value-added tour packages and other great travel incentives. Specialised travel agents will also help with flights, hotels and ground transportation to any destination around the world.

Vasakhi OpenHouse
DATE DATE TIME VENUE 20 April 6pm ~ 11pm Penang Times Square

This Sikh feast marks the harvest festival and the religious Khalsa Janam Divas. It is usually celebrated with singing and dancing in a c o l o u r f u l c a r n i v a l - l i ke atmosphere. The open house gives visitors a rare glimpse of insight into the beliefs, customs and practices that are sacredly practised by the Sikhs to this day. Organiser : Penang Sikh Association Tel: +6012-489 9204

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International Lion Dance On Stilts Competition

DATE TIME 25 & 26 May 1st Day: 10.00am ~ 5.00pm 2nd Day: 10.00pm ~ 2pm Dinner Show: 7.30pm ~ 10.00pm Han Chiang Stadium

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Come and join the crowd to wa t ch t h e a c t i o n packed and exciting Lion Dance on stilts competition as teams from a l l o v e r Malaysia, including foreign teams battle it out for the championship title with their most creative and original lion dance stunts

Organiser : Penang Tourism Development & Culture Committee and Wushhu, Lion & Dragon Dance Association Penang : +604-650 5136 / +604-261 9012 Tel Email : info@visitpenang.gov.my Website : www.visitpenang.gov.my

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Wesak Day
DATE DATE VENUE 24 May Malaysian Buddhist Association, Burmah Road

Wesak Day is observed by devotees to celebrate Buddhas birthday, enlightenment and achievement of Nirvana. From very early in the morning devotees flock to temples to meditate as well as participate in candle-lit processions. As a sign of benevolence, doves are set free and other charitable acts are also performed by devotees such as providing free meals. Monks usually gather to chant sacred sutras all day long. Organiser: Malaysian Buddhist Association Tel: +604-226 2690

Auto-City Carnival
DATE TIME VENUE 30 May ~ 1 June 4pm~12 midnight Auto-City, Juru

Organiser : Auto-City Tel: +604-501 1222 Website: www.autocity.com.my

The Auto-City Carnival promises fun, excitement and a little bit of something for everyone. A galore of activities such as contests, shows and entertainment are held throughout this period. You can participate in the hive of activities if you wish or relax as a bystander and be equally enthralled by the sheer excitement of it all.

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25 May ~ 2 June 9am ~ 7pm Penang Botanic Gardens

Organiser : Penang Botanic Gardens Tel: +604-227 0428

The Penang Floral Festival draws tens of thousands of local and foreign visitors to Penang Botanic Gardens every year. Workshops, contests, exhibitions and classes on floral related topics are held at this event along with the sales of a var iety plants and gardening equipment. Don't forget to bring along your camera to snap photos of the beautiful trees and unique plants in the decorated gardens.

Penang Durian Festival

DATE TIME VENUE 1 June ~ 15 July 11am ~ 6pm, Daily Anjung Indah, Balik Pulau

Eating durian in Penang is an experience by itself. Here, you can choose from the kings of the crop. Tease your taste buds with the legendary 'Ang He', 'Hor Lor' and more at Anjung Indah, Balik Pulau with sales from stalls of famous Penang Durian estates who will also exhibit their prized Durians there. Organiser : Penang State Tourism Development & Culture Office Tourism Hotline : +016-411 0000 : +604-650 5136 / 261 9012 Tel : info@visitpenang.gov.my Email : www.visitpenang.gov.my Webisite

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George Town Festival

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7 June ~ 7 July

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Around George Town

In conjunction with George Town World Heritage Day, a month-long celebration filled with cultural, theatrical and musical performances, showcases of art, traditional crafts demonstration, activities and exhibitions will be held in Penang every year. Join in the celebration as Penang commemorates its (GTWHI) fifth anniversary Organiser : George Town World Heritage Incorporated as a UNESCO World Heritage Tel:Site. +604-261 6606 Organiser : George Town Festival Secretariat Tel: +604-2616308

Penang International Dragon Boat Festival

DATE TIME VENUE

8 & 9 June 9am ~ 5pm Teluk Bahang Dam, Penang

Organiser : Penang International Dragon Boat Festival (PIDBF) Committee Tourism Hotline : +6016-411 0000 : +604-650 5136 / +604-261 9012 Tel Email : secretary@penangdragonboat.gov.my Webisite : www.penangdragonboat.gov.my

Although Dragon Boat racing has been around in Penang since 1950s, it has only gained international popularity in the last few years. For the first time ever the dragon boat sport has been included in the Asian Games in 2010. Dragon boat is a teamfocused sport which promotes discipline, harmony, physical fitness and mental toughness. For Penangites it is an honoured sport that inculcates racial harmony.

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Penang School Boria Competition

DATE TIME VENUE Boria combines the elements of dance, music and comic sketches. Head down to Fort Cornwallis to enjoy some good old boria fun, and support the final 4 teams in the local schools Boria Competition. Expect to be treated to a visual bonanza of traditional culture that brings out the true root of the Penang Malay culture, colourful costumes and larger-than-life performers. Organiser : Majlis Kebudayaan Negeri Tel : +6012-454 4410 8 June 7.30pm ~ 11pm Fort Cornwallis

Mr Malaysia 2013

DATE VENUE

15 June Rainbow Paradise Beach Resort, Penang

Witness 150 bodybuilders from all over Malaysia compete for the Mr Malaysia championship title in the 44th national bodybuilding competition. The competition consists for 12 categories which are split into three events, 'Junior', 'Masters' and 'Senior'. The pre-judging will take place in the morning with an entry fee of RM10 per person, followed by the grand finale which will start from 7pm onwards together with a gala dinner. Sazali Samad who was Mr Universe for five consecutive years since 2005 will be the guest poser for this event.

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George Town World Heritage Day

DATE 7 July George Town was accorded the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List of Cities and Sites for its "outstanding universal value", on 7th July 2008. This award showcases Penang's unique historical and architectural buildings, multi-ethnic cultural heritage, old "colonial townscape" and landscapes. To commemorate this momentous occassion, every 7th July has been named as George Town World Heritage Day and is announced as a public holiday for the state of Penang.

Penang Bon Odori Festival

DATE TIME 20 July 5pm ~ 11pm VENUE Esplanade, Penang A traditional and merry Japanese festival that is celebrated wit h dance and lively dr um Organiser : The Consulate-General of Japan, performances to welcome the homecoming of ancestral spirits. This festival is a Japanese Buddhist Penang State Tourism Development observance that honours the spirit of ancestors, who & Culture Office & Bon Odori return once a year to visit their families. Organising Committee : +604-650 5136 +604-261 9012 Email : info@visitpenang.gov.my Website : www.visitpenang.gov.my Tel The carnival-like atmosphere at Esplanade is made even merrier with stalls selling a variety of local and Japanese food, firework displays, Japanese souvenirs, lively performances and games.

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St. Annes Festival

DATE DATE TIME VENUE 22 ~ 28 July 7am ~11pm St. Annes Church, Bukit Mertajam The 10 day Novena brings a carnivallike atmosphere to the town of Bukit Mertajam and the church compound. Different masses and prayers throughout this 10 days, which attracts believers from all walks of life. The highlight of the Novena is a procession. Built in 1957, The Church of St. Anne, Bukit Mertajam is a significant part of Penangs history. Many historical relic can be found at the churchs compound such as the beautiful stained glass at the altar. Another attraction of the church that is available all year round is the 15 Cross Stations with life sized statues that depicts the crucifixion of Lord Jesus Christ.

Organiser St. Anne Church Tel : +604-538 6405 Email : stanne@stannebm.org Website : www.stannebm.org

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Ramadhan Bazaar 2013

DATE TIME VENUE 8 July ~ 7 August 5pm ~ 8pm KOMTAR, Pedestrian Walk and along many streets of Penang

During the Muslim Fasting Month, a sumptuous array of food, local delicacies, festive cookies, clothing and religious items will be sold at a month-long evening Ramadhan Bazaar. A jovial mood pervades the bazaar as people go about their merry business of shopping for food to break fast and also to hunt for the best bargains. After the month-long fasting, Hari Raya will be celebrated by visiting relativesand friends.

Nuzul Al-Quran
DATE 26 July On the 17th day of the holy Ramadhan month, a national-level celebration called the NuzulAl-Quran is held to commemorate the day Prophet Muhammad S.A.W first received the Scriptures from Heaven. It is observed as a public holiday in most states in Malaysia.

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Penang Hungry Ghost Festival

DATE VENUE

7 August ~ 4 September Along Streets of Penang, mainly George Town

The Hungry Ghost Festival which falls during the Seventh Lunar Month is celebrated on a grand scale in Penang. During this month, it is believed that the Gates of Hell are thrown open for spirits and ghosts from the nether world to roam freely in search for food. Thus, makeshift altars are erected at roadsides where giant joss sticks are lit and food is offered to appease their hunger. Staged opera performances and puppet shows are also conducted at these venues for the entertainment of the ghosts, spirits and the public on a nightly basis.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri

DATE 8 ~ 9 August In Malaysia, the Muslims celebrate the start of the month of Syawal by having open houses for their family and friends. Guests can enjoy a variety of traditional Malay cuisine and mouthwatering selection of local delicacies. During this joyous celebration, it is also customary for them to wear their traditional Malay attires. Another popular practice is the giving of duit raya, money gifted to children, elders or to the poor in little green packets.

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Merdeka Parade
DATE DATE TIME VENUE 31 August 8.30am To be Announced

31 August is the Malaysian Independance Day and is usually celebrated on a grand scale throughout the country. The Penang State Government will be organising a Merdeka Parade on the 31 August at Esplanade. Over 150 contingents representing various government agencies such as the State Secretary, Public Works Department (JKR), Municipal Council of Penang (MPPP), District Office, Malaysian Royal Police Force (PDRM), Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA), Malaysian Armed Forces (Angkatan Tentera Malaysia), RELA, Penang Boy Scouts as well as school marching bands will be marching in the parade.

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Mean Machines 2013

DATE DATE TIME VENUE 14~16 September 12noon ~ 12midnight Auto-City, Juru

The Mean Machines is the largest outdoor motorsport and motoring event in Malaysia. More than 500 modified cars, supercars, classic cars and club cars will be on display together with more than 50 of the leading after-market auto accessories company exhibiting at the event. Organiser : Auto-City Tel : +604-501 1222 Website : www.autocity.com.my

Pesta Tanglung
DATE TIME VENUE 18 September 10am ~ 12midnight Insa Dunia, Kampung Baru, Bukit Mertajam

Karnival Pesta Tanglung Negeri Pulau Pinang is an annual carnival jointly organized by the youth sections of f ive dialectic associations in Bukit Mertajam, Penang. The main objective of this event is to promote Malaysian Chinese cultural activities and to allow the people of BM to take a step forward to lead the Chinese cultural activities in the Northern region of Malaysia. Organiser : Persatuan Hainan Seberang Perai Tel : +6012-473 3648

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Nine Emperor Gods Festival

DATE TIME VENUE 5 ~ 13 October 9am ~ 11pm Rumah Berhala Tow Boo Kong Burmah Road Macallum St Ghaut Jelutong Noordin Street Farlim Butterworth Bukit Mertajam

The Nine Emperor Gods Festival (Kew Ong Yeah) is celebrated on the 1st till the 9th day of the ninth month in the lunar calendar. It's celebrated for the spirits of the Nine Gods to descend upon the earth by possessing spirit mediums and putting them in a trance. Throughout this festival, many rituals such as skewering and fire walking ceremonies are carried out. Devotees also practice a vegetarian diet for these nine days. On the last day, the Gods are sent off through a procession leading to the sea on an "Emperor Boat" accompanied by many other colourful floats. Organiser: Tow Boo Kong Association Tel : +604-331 8717 Website : www.towbookong.org.my Contact : Penang State Tourism Development & Culture Office Tel : +604-650 5136 / +604-261 9012

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Navratri Festival
DATE DATE TIME VENUE 5 ~ 13 October 6pm ~10pm Along the Streets of George Town

The Navratri Festival is a Hindu religious festival similar to the famous Chinese Nine Emperor Gods celebration. For 9 days, devotees pray to the Goddess Thurga, Goddess Laxmi and Goddess Sarawathy in hopes of power, wealth and education. A chariot procession also takes place on the final day of the festival. Organiser : Penang Hindu Endownment Board Tel : +604-650 5215

Halloween Celebration
DATE VENUE 31 October War Museum

Celebrate Halloween in Penang like never before at the historical War Museum. Put on your scariest costumes to match the dark and mysterious atmosphere of the museum and experience the chills and thrills of celebrating Halloween by spooky underground tunnels, old torture chambers and prison cells. The Penang War Museum used to be an old British fort which was later taken over by the Japanese during the Japanese Occupation.

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Deepavali

DATE VENUE

2 November Little India, Penang This colorful festival is also known as The Festival of Lights and is celebrated by the Hindus. Oil lamps are lit and decorated in their homes on Deepavali morning as a way of thanking the gods for happiness, knowledge, peace and wealth. Many cultural performances, activities and delicious Indian cuisine will be served and will take place during the celebration.

Organiser : Malaysian Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Penang Tel : +604-262 0960

Awal Muharram

DATE DATE

5 November

Ma'al Hijrah is an Islamic festival that is celebrated by the Muslim population in Malaysia with much joy. It falls on the 10th of January in the Gregorian Calendar and marks the beginning of the Islamic month of Muharram.

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Allianz Penang Bridge International Marathon 2013

DATE TIME VENUE The Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) has been held 2am ~ 10am every year since 1985. This marathon attracts people from all over the Second Penang Bridge world to come together in Penang to run across the Penang Bridge which at 13.5km, is one of the longest bridges in South East Asia. The Penang Bridge International Marathon is the biggest running event in Malaysia and on this day it is the only time the bridge is ever closed to public. In 2012, the marathon received more than 34,500 participants and had been named as Malaysia's Largest Bridge Run by the Malaysia Book of Records. Organiser : Penang State Tourism Development & Culture Office Marathon Hotline : +6016-411 0000 Tel : +604-650 5136 / +604-261 9012 Fax : +604-261 8744 Email : info@penangmarathon.gov.my Website : www.penangmarathon.gov.my 17 November

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NOV & DEC

19th Penang International Open

Ballroom Dancing Competition

DATE DATE TIME VENUE 23 November 7am ~ 11pm Bayview Beach Resort, Penang

The Penang International Open Ballroom Dancing Championship returns in swirling success for another year of exciting competition and performances on the dance floor. This annual premier dance competition is anticipated to attract over 800 participants from more than 30 countries around the globe. An equally strong turnout of international adjudicators and diehard fans of dance sport championships is also expected for this glittering gala event. Organiser : Malaysian Dancers Association Tel : +6012-471 3266 Website : www.mda.com.my

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Penang Island Jazz Festival

DATE TIME VENUE 5 ~ 8 December 11am ~ 11pm Batu Ferringhi, Penang

Artists from the jazz and big band genre use this event as a platform to showcase their performances in a fun-filled and joyous atmosphere. The annual music festival features local and international performers participating in programmes and activities in the Main Festival venue at Bayview Beach Resort and various other selected venues throughout the island. Organiser : The Capricorn Connection Tel : +6012-296 7800 / +6012-356 5544 Email : paul@penangjazz.com / chincy@penangjazz.com Web : www.penangjazz.com

Pesta Dragon Boat Race

DATE TIME VENUE 7 ~ 8 December 9am ~ 5pm Teluk Bahang Dam, Penang

This event is held in conjunction with Pesta Pulau Pinang and is a tradition to honor the "spirit of the dragon" and the spirit of unity as they work together as a team for one common purpose. Enjoy a weekend of pulsating thrills and spills to the tune of vigorous beating of drums, strong thrust of oars and various stage performances as the dragon boat teams battle it out in the water to be the champions. Organiser : Penang International Dragon Boat Festival (PIDBF) Committee Tel : +604-650 5136 / +604-261 9012 Email : secretary@penangdragonboat.gov.my Web : www.penangdragonboat.gov.my

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Pesta Chingay, Lion & Dragon Dance Parade

DATE TIME VENUE 22 December 7.30pm ~ 11pm Padang Brown to City Hall, Esplanade

The Chingay and Lion Dance troupe members will display their skills in balancing stilt poles during this annual street parade. The parade begins from Padang Brown and pass through the main streets of George Town before ending at Esplanade. There would also be giant colourful flags and floats, lion and dragon dance performances and a procession of decorative trishaws. Organiser : Penang State Tourism Development & Culture Office Tel : +604-650 5136 / +604-261 9012 Email : info@visitpenang.gov.my Website : www.visitpenang.gov.my

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Christmas Eve & Christmas Parties at Upper Penang Road

DATE TIME VENUE 24 December 6pm ~ 12midnight Upper Penang Road

Upper Penang Road, a hotspot for festive happenings literally lights up with activities including live band performances and dance shows to ensure patrons have a jolly good time. Organiser : Upper Penang Road Committee Tel : +604-228 8078

Auto-City Christmas & New Year Countdown Fiesta

DATE TIME VENUE 24 ~ 31 December 7pm ~ 12midnight Auto-City, Juru

Auto City is another choice venue for party revellers to hang out and celebrate in its many fun-filled activities. Organiser : Auto-City Tel : +604-501 1222 Website : www.autocity.com.my

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New Year Countdown 2013

DATE VENUE 31 December Esplanade, Penang; Queensbay Mall; Penang Pesta Site, E&O Straits Quay; Auto-City New Year Countdown is held every year at Esplanade, Penang, Queensbay Mall and Penang Pesta site. These night-long celebrations are filled with exciting entertaining performances and activities. Before the stroke of midnight, take part in the countdown towards a new year at these venues! Enjoy a brilliant display of fireworks to usher in the new year.