Kuala Lumpur offers many colorful festivals that celebrate the heritage of Malaysians and the many cultures that make up the city. Home to the second largest community of overseas Chinese in the world, festivities include Mid-Autumn and Chinese New Year with events spread across the entire city. Additionally, visitors will find celebrations occur across the city to mark Hindu, Arabic, Christian and other important holidays and events. Visitors can enjoy festivals and celebrations year-round because there is no shortage in the city of Kuala Lumpur!
National Day (Hari Merdeka)
Held on August 31 each year, National Day in Malaysia includes events and festivities across the country, with the largest marked in the capital of Kuala Lumpur. The festival includes happenings across the city, with various districts, businesses, restaurants and international hotels all hosting their own events. The traditional observance includes the Merdeka Parade—a procession with displays of royal, cultural and military importance to Malaysians. It has changed locations over the years, but often returns to Merdeka Square. Celebrating the country’s independence proclaimed in 1957, it is an incredibly patriotic event with flags carried by most in attendance.
Address: Dataran Merdeka, 50050, Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +603 – 8891 8000
Operating Hours:
– 31 August (yearly)
Admission Cost:
– Free of charge
Website
Thaipusam
One of Kuala Lumpur’s most fascinating festivals, Thaipusam is a Hindu Festival held every January or February. It is celebrated namely by the Tamil community, Kuala Lumpur being one of, if not the largest celebration point. The colorful festival sees devotees piecing themselves with pins, spikes and more out of respect to Lord Murugan. It is held during the full moon of the Tamil month of Thai (January or February). One of the city’s most sought-after locations to experience the festival is the Batu Caves. Visitors will experience larger crowds, as well as more exciting and outlandish displays by participants. In addition to being pierced, the most pious devotees will have pots, pans and other objects hung from their piercings, often in celebration of a miracle that them or to rid themselves of their sins. This unique festival is not to be missed!
Address: Gombak, 68100, Batu Caves, Selangor
Phone: +603 – 6189 6284
Operating Hours:
– Varies yearly
Admission Cost:
– Free of charge
Website
The Mid-Autumn Festival
The mid-autumn festival is highly celebrated throughout Malaysia, with some of the largest festivities occurring in Kuala Lumpur. While the entire city erupts in celebration during this time, several events and locations are especially popular with visitors. This includes the Lantern Carnival, complete with lion dancing as well as floats and musical performances. A popular temple where one can observe the celebration is the Thean Hou Temple, a lantern-strung landmark in Kuala Lumpur. Every year, the temple comes to life with the Mid-Autumn Festival Lantern Show. Because Kuala Lumpur is home to the second largest community of overseas Chinese in the world, there are plenty of events during this season.
Address: Thean Hou Temple, No. 65, Persiaran Endah, Off Jalan Syed Putra, 50460, Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +603 – 2274 7088
Operating Hours:
– Varies yearly
Admission Cost:
– Free of charge
Website
