| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
As a constitutional monarchy, the nation celebrates the official birthday of His Majesty, the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong (the King of Malaysia) on the first Saturday of June every year. The auspicious occasion is marked by the bestowal of honours and awards and highlight events include the “Trooping of the Colours” by the armed forces and a host of cultural shows and exhibitions.
Malaysia Flora Fest 2008 - Colours of Harmony
With the continuation of the Visit Malaysia Year festivities the Malaysia Floral Fest in 2008 is set to be one of the most exciting displays of flora in Malaysia. For mid July to early August, Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur will be transformed into venues brimming with bright, colorful and fragrant blooms. Among the events organized for the fest are the Flora Run (Florathon) to be held in Kuala Lumpur, the Flora Fest Parade and static display of Floats to be held in Putrajaya and also the Floral Photography Exhibition.
Colours of Malaysia.
"Citrawarna" or "Colours and Flavours of Malaysia" parade, is an annual event showcasing the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the country. It is a celebration of the rich and intricate potpourri of cultures and traditions which is uniquely Malaysia. This is when you will be able to witness participants from each of Malaysia’s 14 states displaying the intricacies of traditional dance, song and native costumes. The month long event will be filled with many activities at various venues around the nation.
National Day.
August 31 marks the nation's national day which is celebrated with colorful parades along the streets of the city, in Kuala Lumpur at the Dataran Merdeka or Merdeka Square and also other states. As 31st August 2008 marks the official end of Malaysia’s 50th year of Independence you will without doubt be treated to a spectacular spectacle for the occasion.
Rainforest World Music Festival 2008
The Rainforest World Music Festival is a unique event which provides a great experience in the heart of Borneo’s incredible rainforests. It is a celebration of ethnic music, cultures and the natural environment, an annual event scheduled to be held between 11th to 13th July in 2008. It brings together renowned world musicians from all continents and indigenous musicians from the interiors of Borneo. During the day you can enjoy a lively blend of informative workshops, ethno-musical lectures, jamming sessions and mini concerts. In the evenings, performers take the stage for great performances. The Rainforest World Music Festival is winner of the Heritage and Culture PATA Gold Award 2006.
International Arts Festival
The International Arts Festival to be held from 1st January to 31st August 2008 will be a celebration of Malaysian and international artists. The festival offers range from the traditional to the contemporary giving rise to new forms and ideas. Theatrical spectacles created specifically will involve over 120 artists.
Langkawi Water Festival 2008 (Malaysia Water Festival 2008)
Scheduled to be held in early April the Langkawi Water Fest will be a three-day event with over 50 exciting water sports and beach games.
11th International Malay Archipelago Drums Festival (Invitational)
In this event, to be held in April in various locations in the historical state of Melaka, drums take centrestage. Visitors will enjoy the rhythm of various types of drums and other traditional musical instruments from around the region. This annual festival will bring together 24 cultural troupes from countries such as China, Indonesia, Portugal and many more.
Penang World Music Festival 2008
The World Music Festival will be held in the Quarry Gardens in Penang. The World Music Festival is a unique concert where musicians from all over the world use environment-friendly instruments to make great music. You get to revel in a potpourri of music by well-known international and local musicians, amid the resounding rhythms of nature in this not to be missed unique and memorable event.
Malaysia International Gourmet Festival
The country’spremier gastronomic event, the annual Malaysia International Gourmet Festival (MIGF) is scheduled for the month of November in 2008. It is a grand culinary event which brings forth the best among the world's greatest chefs. Malaysia’s finest restaurants will have on offer exclusive menus to tantalise your tastebuds come November in 2008.
Malaysia International Fireworks Competition
Scheduled to be held at Putrajaya from 15th August until 30 August 2008 it is set to be a great and spectacular show leading to the end of the 50th Anniversary Merdeka celebrations (Independence Day celebrations). The competition will feature participants from various countries creating brilliant and impressive pyrotechnic displays in the sky. The brilliant, colourful, vibrant masterpieces will be magical.
Royal Pahang Billfish International Challenge
While the event is held in Malaysia, most of the participants will be international, in this ‘catch and release’ sail fishing event to be held near Rompin waters. Established by the International Game Fishing Association it is a great event with attractive cash prizes as the reward.
Powerman Malaysia
An international multi-sports event, Powerman Malaysia will feature cycling, running and swimming. Participants will be assessed based on their speed in completing all the events. The event is scheduled for early November in Lumut, Perak.
Malaysia Year End Sale Carnival
A part of the popular Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival, the Malaysia Year End Sale Carnival will begin on 29 November 2008 and last till 4th January 2009. A great time for great bargain buys.
Arts and Cultural Extravaganza in 2008
2008 will be a special year for the arts and culture scene in Malaysia which is being championed by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage.
The International Arts Festival is one of the activities planned to be held from the 1st of January to 31st August. It will be a time when Malaysia’s multicultural heritage will take centrestage and both Malaysians and visitors alike will have the opportunity to absorb and exalt in the rich heritage of the Malaysian arts and cultural landscape. A variety of events spanning varied art forms has been planned. In 2008 you will be indulged with a feast for all your senses with a surfeit of performing arts, visual arts, literature, language, flavours and games.
Among the events to look out for would be the Kuala Lumpur Festival and the Kuala Lumpur Music Festival where a plethora of music genres will be featured to celebrate the rich and diverse rhythms of local and international music.
The Malaysian Theatre Festival is another event which has been initiated by the Ministry. The Festival comprises a competition which is open to theatre companies in Malaysia. The performances staged are primarily in Bahasa Melayu.
The Malaysian Folk Arts Festival on the other hand will include performances that will showcase the varied art forms representing the diverse regions and communities in Malaysia. In previous years the Festival has showcased Chinese classical dances such as the Ribbon Dance, Lotus Dance, Umbrella Dance and Temple Festival Dance; Lebuk Dana traditional music; Makyung (a traditional Malay theatre) performances; Indian classical dances ranging from the Bharata Natyam Dance to Kuchu Paddi and the Odissi Dance; Kulintangan traditional music; Bangsawan (popular Malay opera) performances; Malay traditional arts such as Zapin, Randai, Asyik and Barongan (a hybrid creature of diverse origins) dances; Ghazal (a love poem with Persian musical influence); and Dondang Sayang, a traditional performance where singers exchange spontaneous Malay quatrains, (pantun) in a lighthearted and humorous manner as well as Orang Asli dances such as the Sewang Dance performed by the Semai aborigines and the Mahmeri Dance performed by the aborigines of Carey Island. Other ethnic dances such as the Siamese Loy Krathong and Ram Vong and the Portugese folk dances, Sabah and Sarawak ethnic dances such as Sumazau, Datun Julud, Limbai, Ngajat, Alu-Alu and Adai-Adai have also been featured. It is expected in 2008 it will be equally spectacular and continue to feature the favourites in the nation.
Other programmes which have been planned for the year include the Children’s Arts Festival, an Interstate Dance Festival, a National Choir Concert Tour, Corporate and Public Sector Arts Festival and Arts Educational Programmes.
The Music, Dance and Theatre of Malaysia will keep your feet tapping and your body moving to the multi-dimensional rhythm of Malaysian music and movements. Take time out to savour the rich abundant flavours of Malaysian arts and culture during 2008. The bountiful variety available will be a delightful experience for all, a rare opportunity for extravagant indulgence in Malaysian culture, arts and traditions both past and present.
