Festivals and Events in Southeast Asia
January
Chinese New Year, Singapore: Although this event is celebrated in other parts of the region aside from Singapore, the small island-nation is the best place to experience this colorful event when dragon dances and fireworks take over the streets.
Ati-Atihan Festival, Philippines: A three-day festivity held in honor of Santo Niño, the Ati-Atihan Festival sees much revelry. From street parades to costumed dancing, this is an event not to be missed.
Independence Day, Burma: Yangon (Rangoon), the capital of Burma, is the best place to witness Independence Day celebrations, with military displays of might complemented by public celebrations.
February
Thaipusam, Malaysia and Singapore: This amazing event sees Hindu devotees pierce their bodies with skewers in order to carry kavadis (steel racks) on their backs in an ancient religious ritual. Visitors are welcome to come and witness this religious devotion.
Magha Puja, Laos: Celebrated across the region by Buddhists, the Magha Puja remembers four auspicious occasions that occurred less than a year after the Buddha’s enlightenment, including the gathering of 1,250 followers.
March
Shwedagon Pagoda Festival, Burma: Held in honor of the most revered of Burma’s temples, this religious event sees local devotees make merit and lively processions.
Balinese New Year (Hari Raya Nyepi), Indonesia: On this day, the local Balinese population observes a one-day meditation, with speaking, eating and other acts of pleasure prohibited during this period.
Yasothon Bun Bangfai Rocket Festival, Thailand: Traditionally held to encourage rain to fall, today this fun-loving rocket festival sees varying rocket designs compete against each other on the third day of festivities, when the rockets are launched.
Pattaya International Music Festival, Thailand: The best of Thailand’s musicians converge on the holiday island of Phuket for free musical concerts and fun in the sun.
April
Songkran, Thailand: Thai New Year festivities span three days, during which time locals hit the streets for watery fun. Traditionally water was sprinkled on friends and family as an act of good luck, but today anyone can be a target for a soaking.
May
Araquio Festival, Philippines: Celebrating the expansion of Christianity during Spanish colonial times, this colorful event is filled with theatrical performances, street parties and the consumption of locally produced rice wine.
Ba Chua Xu Festival, Vietnam: A four-day religious event held at the shrines and temples at Sam Mountain, this charming folk festival sees ancient rituals carried out, dragon dances and other interesting goings on.
June
Penang International Dragon Boat Festival, Malaysia: A popular event among rowers and boating fans alike, Penang’s Dragon Boat Festival sees teams compete against each other in races that take place to the beat of drums.
Dumpling Festival, Singapore: An ideal opportunity to gore on delicious dumplings, the Singapore Dumpling Festival is a celebration of these tasty snacks, which come with a variety of fillings.
July
Bali Arts Festival, Indonesia: Balinese culture is celebrated at this interesting arts festival, which sees musicians, dancers and other artists perform. The grand opening procession is particularly stunning.
OSIM Singapore Triathlon, Singapore: Athletes gather to compete against one another at this challenging triathlon that sees participants cycle, swim and run to be number one.
Rainforest World Music Festival – Borneo, Malaysia: Kuching’s Sarawak Cultural Village is the site of this musical festival which spans three days. The music performed is unique in that it celebrates the culture and nature of the island.
August
Kuala Lumpur International Tower Jump, Malaysia: In this event, which attracts large crowds, daredevils dive from the KL Tower to enjoy a three-second freefall.
Honchien Temple Festival, Vietnam: This fun boating procession along Vietnam’s Perfume River sees rafts and boats join together for a colorful journey to the Honchien Temple.
Independence Day, Indonesia: Shows of military might and fireworks mark the day when Indonesia achieved independence after decades of Dutch rule.
September
Feast of Nuestra Senora Penafrancia, Philippines: This religious festival sees the image of Lady Penafrancia carried to the Bicol River in Naga and then paraded through the water. The lit candles that surround the image make this a pretty scene.
Ramadan Bazaar, Malaysia: Held to mark the end of Ramadan, a month-long fast observed by Muslims, the Ramadan Bazaar sees Malaysian towns and cities come alive with food and events.
October
Dragon Boat Races, Laos: The sleepy town of Luang Prabang is the best place to observe this festival, which sees riverside towns across the country spring into action with boat racing and carnivals.
Deepavali, Singapore: Also known as the Festival of Light, this event has Indian origins and celebrates the Hindu victory of good over evil. Houses and shops are lit up with candles and lanterns.
November
Loy Krathong, Thailand: Thais launch krathongs (small rafts made from banana leaves and flowers) into rivers in a ritual that is said to rid the launcher of bad luck, making room for good luck in the year to come.
That Luang Festival, Laos: The biggest celebration of the year in the Lao capital of Vientiane sees the city’s That Luang temple become crowded with worshippers. Alms are given to monks and processions take place.
Hmong New Year, Laos: Hmong New Year is celebrated in Hmong communities across northern Laos with performances of music and dance as well as lots of revelry.
December
King’s Birthday, Thailand: December 5 sees the king honored with boat races in Phuket and the illumination of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Thai citizens show their respect by wearing yellow colored t-shirts on this occasion.
Christmas (Hari Natal), Indonesia: The biggest Christmas celebrations in the region can be seen in Indonesia, where there is a sizable Christian population.