PENANG is a vibrant State with its capital, George Town, having the rare distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a true melting pot of cultures with its blend of Eastern and Western influences. Retaining many of the values adopted during its era of British rule, Penang bears a charm that is unique to itself.
A bustling city where excitements and festivities never end, whether you are drawn to the drama of a street parade, the spirituality of a prayer ritual or the beauty of an avant-garde theatre performance, there is bound to be an event around the corner waiting to be experienced. The people in Penang celebrate all year round festivals in cluding religious, cultural and arts. These festivals happen almost every month; such as the acrobatic lion dances during Chinese New Year, the intricate weaving of Ketupat (rice dumplings) during Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid Mubarak) and the unbelievable body piercings that are seen during Thaipusam (a Hindu religious festival). Besides these, home-grown annual arts festivals unique to Penang such as the George Town Festival, the State-funded George Town Literary Festival and the long-running Penang Island Jazz Festival are part of the reasons for some global travellers to visit Penang.
In addition, sports events play large role too in putting Penang on the world map. The annual Penang Bridge International Marathon is popular around the globe between marathoners and sports enthusiasts. The Penang Dragon Boat Festival and Penang International Dragon Boat Championship is as much a display of physical strength as it is a cultural spectacle.
