Chinese New Year Malaysia Public Holiday 2024
Chinese New Year Malaysia Public Holiday 2024
| Date | Day | Holiday | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 29, 2025 | Wed | Chinese New Year | National |
| Jan 30, 2025 | Thu | Chinese New Year Holiday | National |
| Feb 17, 2026 | Tue | Chinese New Year | National |
| Feb 18, 2026 | Wed | Chinese New Year Holiday | National |
Chinese New Year Public Holiday In Malaysia 2024
Malaysia celebrates Chinese New Year extensively. It is one of the most significant holidays in the country, given the large Chinese Malaysian population. Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival in Malaysia. It marks the beginning of a new year on the lunar calendar. The festival is rich in customs, traditions, and various celebrations.
When Is Chinese New Year Holiday In 2024
Chinese New Year falls on different dates each year in the Gregorian calendar because it is based on the lunar calendar. For 2024, Chinese New Year will begin on Saturday, February 10th, initiating the Year of the Dragon.
Malaysia will observe 3 days of public holiday for Chinese New Year in all states, on 10th February, 11th February and 12th February (except Johor and Kedah).
Each year in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle is represented by an animal. 2024 will be the Year of the Dragon, which is associated with strength, luck, and good fortune.
How Is Chinese New Year Celebrated in Malaysia
Celebrations for Chinese New Year in Malaysia typically last for 15 days, starting from New Year's Eve to the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first lunar month. It's a time for family reunions, feasting, and honoring ancestors. Key activities include:
- Reunion Dinner: Known as "Nian Ye Fan," this feast on New Year's Eve is perhaps the most important meal of the year, bringing family members together to eat traditional dishes that symbolize prosperity, longevity, and happiness.
- Red Envelopes: Known as "hongbao," these are given out, typically containing money, to children and younger family members for good luck and blessings.
- Fireworks and Firecrackers: These are traditionally set off to scare away evil spirits and welcome the new year with a bang.
- Decorations: Homes and streets are decorated with red lanterns, couplets, and other decorations symbolizing good luck and prosperity. The color red dominates these celebrations as it's considered auspicious.
The festival traditionally ends with the Lantern Festival, where people go out at night to watch lanterns and fireworks, eat rice balls called "tangyuan", and solve riddles written on the lanterns.
Chinese New Year in Malaysia is a vibrant and joyous time for families and communities to come together, uphold traditions, and look forward to a prosperous and auspicious new year. It's a period marked by various cultural and religious observances, as well as a time for relaxation and joyous festivities.