Chinese New Year

Aside from Hari Raya, Chinese New Year is the only other event in Malaysia that is celebrated with a two-day national holiday. This is a season when the country is truly painted red, as Chinese families and businesses decorate their homes and streets with traditional red decorations to fend off evil spirits, as is customary in China.

While Chinese New Year is usually a 15-day celebration, most Chinese families would fill the first two days with family get-togethers before returning to their regular schedule. Nonetheless, many Chinese communities would continue with joyful customs such as lion dance performances, fireworks displays, and house visits throughout the holiday season.

During this time, friends and family are invited to visit one another's homes, where sweet sweets and savory delicacies are served, and youngsters are given red packets known as "ang pao." In Chinese tradition, the colored is associated with good fortune. During this event, mandarin oranges are particularly popular, and every house you visit will give you one.

The Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year's 15-day celebration. In the evenings, children will carry paper lanterns to temples.

When: February

Where: Across the country, especially Kuala Lumpur.

Highlight Of The Festival: Lion & dragon dance performances