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Johor Bahru is a multi-cultural city; with residents from almost all major religious backgrounds such as Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist, because of this there is at least one festival that takes place in Johor Bahru every month of the year. The following are a list of the various festivals in Johor Bahru by the month in which they occur.

January – Thaipusam, this is a Hindu festival that is celebrated mainly by the Tamil community. It is held on the full moon in the month of January which is known as ‘Thai’ in the Tamil calendar.

 February – There are two festivals in the month of February, Chinese New Year and Johor International Kite Festival. The Chinese celebrate the New Year in February with street parades including the dragon and lion dances.

The Johor International Kite Festival is a popular tradition and is an annual festival where kites of all shapes and sizes fill the skies making it an extraordinary sight.

March – Chap Goh Meh is celebrated in March, it is also commonly known as the Lantern Festival. This is a Chinese festival where rice-flour dumplings ‘tangyuan’ are made and eaten.

Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad – The Muslim community in Johor Bahru celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad by praying at the mosques, this is time of reflection for all Muslims and is also called ‘Maulud Nabi”.

April – Easter is celebrated among the Christian community in Johor Bahru, there are religious rites that take place right through the whole week called the “Holy Week” which ends on Easter Sunday.

May – Wesak Day, this is Buddhist festival which celebrates the birth, enlightenments and achievements of the Buddha. Buddhists go to the temples to offer offerings, incense and prayer. There is a candle procession that takes place in the evening.

Nusantara Culture Festival – Is one week of celebrations that takes place at Dang Bay. The celebration includes dance performances, live music and arts and crafts including a host of other activities.

June – Johor Arts Festival; just recently incorporated, this displays local culture and tradition which lasts over a period of two weeks.

August – Kuda Kepang Festival is a Javanese festival where the dance known as Kuda Kepang is performed involving 15 men dressed in traditional Javanese costume.

Merdeka Day is the official Malaysian Independence Day, it is held on the 31st of August. The celebrations normally start two weeks ahead and continue right through to the middle of September.

October – There are three festivals in October:

Hungry Ghosts Festival –Buddhists celebrate this festival by burning joss sticks and offering food to the dead.

Bon Odori – Celebrated by Johor’s Japanese community, the highlights of this festival are the cultural shows and the Nenbutsu folk dance.

Hari Raya Haji or Eid al-Adha is celebrated by the Muslim community in Johor Bahru, commemorating the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son.

November – Deepavali is the Hindu festival known as the festival of lights. The festival focuses on the victory of the Hindu deity Krishna over Narakasura.

December – Christmas is celebrated by the Christian community. Houses are decorated and families get together for a time to remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Mass is celebrated in all churches.