Penang is a state of endless colorful celebrations. In the 2009 Penang Calendar of Events, we see the program as lined up for 2009, to help you plan your visit to Penang. If you are organising an event in Penang, send the details to me to be included here.
January 2009
31 January: Chinese New Year Open House: Organised by the Penang Youth Clan Council, the Chinese New Year Open House is a time when the various clan houses of George Town open their doors to visitors. Streets such as Armenian Street, Cannon Street, Ah Quee Street, and parts of Chulia Street become pedestrian malls. Details call Penang Youth Clan Council, tel: +6016 489 8868
February 2009
2 February: Thaipusam: Hindu festival of purification, Thaipusam includes chariot procession through the streets of George Town in honor of Hindu deity Murugan. Details call the Penang Hindu Endowment Board, tel: +604 650 5215
8 February: Chap Goh Meh: Chinese Valentine's Day. It is celebrated on the 15th night of the Lunar New Year. Celebrations this year is planned at the Penang Chinese Town Hall at Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling. Details call Penang Chinese Town Hall, tel: +604 261 7194
March 2009
13-15 March: iFOODex: The largest consumer food exhibition in Malaysia, happening at PISA. For details, contact Intrenasionale at +6012 483 2426
13-21 March: Penang International Food Festival: Indulge in the best of Penang local cuisine, happening at PISA, Batu Ferringhi and Esplanade. Details contact the Penang Tourism Action Council at +604 262 0202
April 2009
25 April: Vasakhi Open House: Catch a glimpse of the Sikh celebration and enjoy traditional Punjabi food. Happening at the Esplanade, Penang. Details contact the Malaysian Sikh Youth Organisation Penang, tel: +6017 584 0821
May 2009
1-3 May: Penang World Music Festival: A place where music lovers can get to enjoy the music from different parts of the world. Happening at Quarry Garden of the Penang Botanic Garden. Details contact the Penang Tourism Action Council, tel: +604 262 0202
9 May: Wesak Day Celebrations: Witness the grand parade staged to celebrate the birthday of Buddha. Details contact the Malaysia Buddhist Association at +604 261 6548
25-31 May: Penang Floral Festival: Admire beautiful flowering plants, buy some to take home. Happening at the Penang Botanic Gardens. Details contact the Penang Botanic Gardens Department, tel: +604 227 0428
29 May: P. Ramlee Festival: Showcasing the movies and songs of the beloved late entertainer, P. Ramlee, this festival will include acting and singing competitions. Happening at the Dewan Sri Pinang. Details contact the Penang State Government, tel: +604 650 5136
30 May: Bukit Jambul Hiking Competition: An event attracting local and foreign hikers, with the reward of panoramic scenery at the peak. Happening at Bukit Jambul, organised by the Hiking Association Bukit Jambul & MPPP. For details, contact +604 226 2959
June 2009
4-7 June: Penang Turf Club Equestrian Centre Horse Show: An opportunity to view dressage, show jumping and carriage riding. There will also be an exhibition of the various types of horses and ponies. Organised by the Penang Turf Club. Details contact +604 229 3233
5-6 June: Penang X'Games: Events include Skateboarding, BMX and Inline Skating. Happening at the Penang Skate Park of the Municipal Park. Organized by the Penang Extreme Sports Club and MPPP. For details contact +604 226 2959
6-7 June: 29th Penang Dragon Boat Festival: Come watch the rowers from all over the world compete in this rowing competition. Details contact the organiser at +6019 445 5166
July 2009
1-31 July: Visit Penang Heritage Celebration: Commemorate the listing of George Town as a Unesco World Heritage Site with cultural performances, traditional crafts, demonstrations and exhibitions, happening at the heritage enclave. For details, contact the Penang State Government at +604 650 5136
3-5 July: MATTA Fair: A place to seek fabulous discounts for tours domestic as well as international. Happening at PISA, for details contact MATTA Penang Chapter at tel: +604 890 0106
11 July: Penang 3rd International Skimboarding Competition: Be dazzled by the best skimboarders in Asia and Australia. Happening at Bayu Senja Complex in Batu Ferringhi. For details, contact the Penang Skimboarding Association at +6012 403 5097
18 July: Bon Odori: The Japanese version of the Hungry Ghost Festival, this is a lively dance and drum performance to welcome home ancestral spirits. Happening at the Esplanade. For details, contact the Consulate-General of Japan at +604 226 3030
24 July - 2 August: St Anne's Festival: The biggest Catholic feast celebrated in Malaysia, centred at the St Anne's Church in Bukit Mertajam. For details contact +604 538 6405
August 2009
1-9 August: Wau Competition: Come and witness the Malay wau, and kites from different countries. Happening at the Esplanade. Details contact the Penang State Government at +604 650 5136
20 August - 19 September: Pasar Ramadhan: Enjoy a wide selection of Ramadhan goods and clothing at the Komtar Pedestrian Walk. Details contact the Penang Malay Chamber of Commerce at +604 261 3016
October 2009
3 October: Mid Autumn Festival: Lantern making competition, moon cakes, cultural and musicals are part of this festival. Happening at the Penang Chinese Town Hall Auditorium. Details contact the Penang Chinese Town Hall at +604 261 7194
11 October: Komtar Base Jump: Come watch the extreme tower jumping event. Details contact Menara Kuala Lumpur, the organiser, at +603 2020 5448
5 October: Hari Raya Open House: Enjoy festive fare as we celebrate the start of Shawal in traditional Malay style. Details contact +604 650 5141
26 October: Deepavali Open House: Join in this colourful celebration in George Town's Little India. Details contact the Malaysian Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Penang, tel: +604 262 0960
26 October: Nine Emperor Gods Festival: Happening all around Penang, when devotees go on a vegetarian diet, and vegetarian fare is sold at street side and at temples
26 October: Navarathiri Festival: Hindu religious festival when devotees offer prayers to the deities Thurga, Laxmi and Saraswathy to seek power, wealth and education. Chariot procession throughout George Town. Details contact the Malaysian Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Penang, tel: +604 262 0960
November 2009
28 November: 16th International Dance Competition: Watch a dazzling dance sport event with dancers from around the world. Happening at PISA. For details, contact the Malaysian Dancers Association at +603 3168 6964
December 2009
1-31 December: Pesta Pulau Pinang: Month-long celebration with fun fair and trade exhibitions held at the Pesta Site, Sungai Nibong. Details contact the Penang State Government at +604 650 5136
3-6 December: Penang Island Jazz Festival: An event for jazz enthusiasts with workshops, jazz competition, and other activites. Happening at the Bayview Beach Resort, Batu Ferringhi. For details, contact the Capricorn Connection at +603 2093 4725
4-6 December: Penang Synchronised Swimming Championship: Enjoy watching synchronised swimming by participants from various countries at PISA. Details contact the Penang Amateur Swimming Association at +6019 456 2681
13 December: Starwalk: The biggest walking event in Penang, held to promote healthy lifestyle. Details contact Star Publications at +604 647 3388
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It is often more practical to book your tours online. You have the luxury of time to go through what are the tours you intend to take, rather than having to make a decision on your feet. Check out the local tours in Penang that you can book online. The tours are provided by Viator, a reputable international tour company.
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