Malaysia's cultural diversity means there is almost always a festival happening somewhere in the country. The major celebrations reflect the Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous traditions that make up Malaysian society.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri
The biggest celebration of the year, marking the end of Ramadan. Malay families hold open house -- literally opening their homes to friends, neighbors and even strangers for feasts of rendang, ketupat and kuih. The atmosphere across the country is festive and welcoming, though transport is chaos as everyone travels home.
Chinese New Year
Celebrated in January or February with lion dances, firecrackers, mandarin oranges and family reunions. Penang and Melaka are particularly atmospheric. The festivities extend for 15 days, culminating in the Chap Goh Mei lantern festival.
Thaipusam
One of the most visually intense festivals in the world. Hindu devotees honour Lord Murugan by piercing their bodies with hooks and skewers, carrying elaborate kavadi structures and walking in a trance-like procession. The main celebration at Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur draws over a million people each January or February. It is not for the faint-hearted but it is utterly unforgettable.
Deepavali
The Hindu festival of lights, usually in October or November. Indian neighborhoods glow with oil lamps, and Indian Malaysian families hold open house with traditional sweets and food. Little India in KL and Penang are the best places to experience it.
Gawai Dayak
Celebrated on 1 June in Sarawak, this harvest festival is the most important event in the Iban and Bidayuh calendar. Longhouse communities along the rivers hold days of feasting, rice wine (tuak) drinking and traditional dancing. Visitors are often warmly invited to join if they make the effort to get upriver.
Kaamatan
The equivalent harvest festival in Sabah, celebrated by the Kadazan-Dusun people in May. The highlight is the unduk ngadau beauty pageant and plenty of rice wine (tapai).
George Town Festival
Held annually in Penang, this arts and culture festival in July and August fills Georgetown's streets and heritage buildings with performances, installations and events. It has grown into one of Southeast Asia's most interesting arts festivals.