Malaysia has a rich and colourful cultural heritage. Many of traditional arts, cultural and crafts are dilligent kept alive the various communities. Traditional dance and music hold a special place in the performing arts and every community has something to present at festivals or special occasions.
Aside from religious festivals, malaysian find many occasions to celebrate. There are a large number of public festivals and parades at certain times of the year. Some of these include the penang street festival known as chingay, the national day or merdeka celebration in kuala lumpur on august 31 and the month-long colours of malaysia held annually from end may to june, which showcases the cultural heritage of the 13 states consisting of a grand procession as well as traditional dance performances and promotions at participating hotels and complexes in kuala lumpur.
In kelantan, a colourful display of giant kites weave in the wind in late may in the international kite festival which draws participants from the region and enthusiasts from europe and japan.
