The Festival Calendar (February)
February
Chinese New Year
Chinese Communities in South East Asia
Celebrated by Chinese across the region with delicious festive snacks, decorated streets and traditional ‘lion dances’. Some cities also launch fireworks or firecrackers during the festive period.
Chingay Parade
Singapore and Johor, Malaysia
Decorated floats and performances grace the streets of Chinatown in this colourful parade.
Tatung Parade
Singkawang, Indonesia
Witness unbelievable stunts as participants step on swords and pierce wires and nails through their cheeks in this ancient ritual of Tatung to ward off evil spirits.
Held during Chap Goh Mei (15th day of the Chinese New Year)
Tet Nguyen Dan (Tet)
Vietnam
Tet is the Vietnamese equivalent of Chinese New Year. During this period, see the city streets decorated with floral displays and enjoy special festive foods.
Lim Festival
Lim Village, Bac Ninh province, Vietnam
A celebration of Northern Vietnamese tradition with local games and most importantly, "Quan Ho" folk singing.
Held during Chap Goh Mei (15th day of the Chinese New Year)
Marha Puha
Laos
Catch grand parades of worshippers circling local temples (wats) with candles, accompanied by religious music and chanting. Special festivities are also held at Sikhottabong (That Sikhottabong Festival) and Wat Phou (Wat Phou Festival).
Elephant Festival
Hongsa, Sayaboury Province, Laos
For 3 days in this small town, catch elephant shows, processions and even an ‘Elephant of the Year’ election.
Meak Bochea
Cambodia
Visit a pagoda or temple to watch the Buddhist processions as believers circle the altars with incense sticks, candles and flowers.
Panagbenga Festival
Baguio City, Philippines
One of the biggest flower festivals in the world featuring floral floats, flower carts and even children dressed as flora and fauna.
Kaamulan
Malaybalay City, Philippines
This ethnic festival showcases the province’s indigenous cultures with parades, food, sporting events and lots of native dancing.
Pasola
Sumba, Indonesia
An exciting jousting festival where combatants on horsebacks throw wooden spears at opponents to unseat them.
Bau Nyale Festival
Lombok, Indonesia
Join this unique beachfront festival based on the legend of Princess Mandalika and see crowds splashing away into the water to catch Nyale worms.
Chiang Mai Flower Festival
Chiang Mai, Thailand
See exotic flowers on display as well as floral floats, miniature trees and even a beauty pageant.