Penang is the cultural capital of Malaysia. It has a rich cultural past. Penang Festivals are mostly influenced by Chinese festivals or are influenced by the Buddhist religious customs. The major Penang Festivals are as below:

Chingay

It is a festival which coincides with the Chinese New Year festival and is greatly influenced by it. The festival has a long and glorious past. This festival was initiated way back in the 19th century. One unique feature of this festival is the ‘Giant Flag Procession.' Expert flag bearers carry almost 10 meter high flags balancing it on their soldiers or forehead or chins. The more interesting part is they pass the flags by tossing it up in the air to the next flag bearer. This festival has slowly become popular in that region and now you can see this festival being observed in Singapore also.

Dragon Boat Festival

Dragon Boat Festival has its roots in the Chinese mythology and it is observed in Penang also with great panache. The Dragon boat competition is held during this festival and competitors from all over the world including US, Netherlands, South Africa, France, Japan and many other countries come and participate in this race. The boats are generally 120 feet long and the front is decorated with a fierce, colorful dragon head. The Dragon Boat festival and competition is held in Teluk Bahang dam.

Pesta Pulau Pinang

This festival is organized by the ministry of finance and it is a total fun fair. This colorful extravaganza has open air concerts, food bazaars, exhibitions, fun fairs and even a beauty pageant competition. This is held every year in December.

Wesak Day

This is a festival organized by the Buddhist association of Penang. This festival celebrates the founding and the founder of Buddhism. The monks and other devotees occupy the street for a night long procession around Jalan Burmah.

Hungry Ghost Festival

This Festival is celebrated by the Penang Chinese. On the 15th day of the seventh Lunar month, it is believed by the Chinese that all gates of hell would open and the demons and evil spirits will invade earth. The Chinese people offer food, burn incense sticks and perform dance opera for pacifying these ‘Hungry Ghosts.' At the end of the month a gigantic effigy of devil is burnt.

Thaipusam

It is celebrated by the Hindu population of Penang to commemorate the victory of Lord Murugan over the evil spirits. The celebration takes place in Nattukkottai Chettiar Temple Penang.