Asian Festivals

1.Festivals in Thailand

Thailand knows how to celebrate. You'll never forget your first Songkran or Loi Krathong —
guaranteed!

 Songkran / Thai Water Festival: April 13 -15

 Loi Krathong and Yi Peng: Usually November
 Phuket Vegetarian Festival: Around September or October
 King Bhumibol's Birthday: December 5
 The King of Thailand's Birthday: July 28
 Queen's Birthday: August 12

2. Chinese New year

Chinese New Year is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the world. The first few days
of the 15-day festival will certainly have an impact on all destinations in Asia. Many Chinese
families travel to tourist destinations in Southeast Asia during this time.
Expect accommodation to be pricier than usual; transportation often fills up. The reward is worth
the effort!
 When: Dates change; usually in January or February
 Where: All major destinations in Asia, but especially Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore,
Penang, and other places with large ethnic-Chinese communities
 3. Ramadam

There is no reason to avoid travel during the Islamic holy month. In fact, you'll get to enjoy special foods,
markets, and festivals in the evenings. Eid al-Fitr — Hari Raya Puasa in Bahasa-speaking countries — is
particularly festive as Muslims break their fast.

 When: Dates change yearly based on the sighting of the crescent moon in the ninth month of the Islamic
calendar.

4. Chinese mooncakes

Also known as the Mooncake Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival, the Chinese Moon Festival is a happy time when
friends, family, and lovers share reunions, spend time together, and exchange mooncakes.

Chinese mooncakes are small, round cakes with different fillings; some can be surprisingly heavy, and the ones
made from exotic ingredients are expensive!

 When: Dates change; usually September or October

5. Rainforest World Music Festival

One of Southeast Asia's largest music festivals, the Rainforest World Music Festival, is held each summer
just outside of Kuching, the capital of Sarawak in Borneo.

As if a large, international lineup of bands wasn't enough, the setting includes coastline and rainforest;
plus, the three-day festival is filled with cultural demonstrations and workshops from the indigenous
Dayak groups.

6. Hari Merdeka

Hari Merdeka translates to "Independence Day" and can refer to the independence celebrations in
either Malaysia or Indonesia.

Both countries celebrate independence from colonial rule with parades, fireworks, and
demonstrations. Public transportation is greatly affected during the festivals.
 7. Setsubun

Setsubun is celebrated during Japan's Haru Matsuri (Spring Festival) to welcome the beginning
of spring.

Participants throw soybeans to frighten away evil spirits that could threaten health in the new
lunar year. Shrines are particularly busy during this time.

Although Setsubun is not an official national holiday, the event has evolved to include sumo
wrestlers, celebrities, and gatherings where candy and envelopes with money are thrown into
frenzied crowds! Setsubun is certainly one of the more peculiar, and fun, Japanese festivals.

 When: February 3 or 4

8. The Hungry Ghosts Festival

is a Taoist holiday celebrated by Chinese communities throughout Asia. Offerings of food are given to
ancestors along with "gifts" represented by paper notes and fake money.

Each note can represent new TVs, cars, household items, or other gifts that the ancestors may enjoy in the
afterlife. The notes are thrown in the air and burned.
9. National Day in China

National Day in China began as a patriotic holiday in 1949. Tens of thousands of people from
all parts of China cram into Beijing to enjoy Tiananmen Square and other national landmarks.
National Day is definitely the busiest time to be in Beijing; the subway system and public
transportation get filled beyond capacity.
 Asian
Festivals
Submitted by:

RYAN D. GAPPI
Grade 8-Mabini

Submitted to:

MRS. JAIMA J. PINEDA

Teacher