{"id":1672,"date":"2015-07-04T01:00:15","date_gmt":"2015-07-04T01:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/festivals-in-asia-jul-aug-sept\/"},"modified":"2022-07-11T17:37:01","modified_gmt":"2022-07-11T17:37:01","slug":"festivals-in-asia-jul-aug-sept","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/experience\/festivals-in-asia-jul-aug-sept\/","title":{"rendered":"Asia Festival Guide: What’s Happening in July, August & September"},"content":{"rendered":"

Travellers, open up your calendars, free up some time and get ready to party because the third quarter of 2015 promises plenty of fun throughout Asia, with festivities ranging from the religious to the musical and beach-inspired.<\/p>\n

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Hari<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>Raya<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>Puasa<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This very special festival is widely celebrated by Muslims throughout Asia, marking the close of the holy month of Ramadan. Festivities begin with early\u00a0Hari\u00a0Raya\u00a0Puasa\u00a0prayers, followed by visits to\u00a0the graves of departed loved ones.\u00a0Homes are then thrown open to family, friends and visitors, who gather together in gleaming new outfits.<\/p>\n

\"Putrajaya<\/p>\n

In Malaysia, delicacies served include\u00a0ketupat<\/em>\u00a0(rice dumplings) and favourites like beef<\/em>\u00a0rendang<\/em> and satay<\/em>.\u00a0This event is usually a visual spectacle, too, with bright lights in shades of yellow, gold and green adorning buildings and oil-lamps are lit in many homes.<\/p>\n

But there’s lots to see and do even before the actual day (17 July, 2015).\u00a0During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk and come together during the evening hours for meals and prayers.\u00a0With 2015 being Malaysia\u2019s Year of Festivals, Kuala Lumpur’s Merdeka Square is hosting a first-of-its kind event known as Iftar<\/a> and Iftar (breaking of the fast) and the Ramadhan bazaar will both take place here. Join Malaysians of all races at\u00a0Jalan\u00a0Raja\u00a0around 7.30pm, where the road will be closed to traffic and special mats rolled out for shared picnic-style meals. Catch a\u00a0bubur<\/em>\u00a0<\/em>lambuk<\/em>\u00a0(traditional porridge) demonstration or join in special talks scheduled from 5pm to 10pm.<\/p>\n

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When: 20, 21, 27, 28 June and 4, 5, 11, 12 July, 2015<\/em><\/p>\n

Where:\u00a0Jala\u00a0Raja,\u00a0Kuala\u00a0Lumpur, Malaysia<\/em><\/p>\n

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The<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>Busan<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>Sea Festival<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Busan, South Korea\u2019s second largest city,\u00a0plays host to the country\u2019s\u00a0biggest summer festival<\/a>. The action takes place mainly on the beautiful\u00a0Haeundae Beach, famed for its divine views, white sand and hot springs. Festivities are also held at Gwangalli Beach, Songdo Beach, Dadaepo Beach and Songjeong\u00a0Beach, with each location hosting its own unique programme of events. Celebrations were first held in 1996 and the event has now become a major festival, attracting locals and international visitors alike.<\/p>\n

\"busan-sea-festival\"<\/p>\n

Combining several events, including rock music concerts, a beach dance festival, cultural performances and singing contests, you’ll find plenty of activities on offer by the sea. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy windsurfing and banana boat rides, while families can relax on the beach and try their hand at making a sandcastle or two in between volleyball and swimming. At night, take in the beautiful sight of fireworks filling the skies.<\/p>\n

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When: 1-7 August, 2015<\/em><\/p>\n

Where:\u00a0Busan, South Korea<\/em><\/p>\n

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Summer Sonic<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Japan\u2019s\u00a0Summer Sonic<\/a>\u00a0rock festival is held annually in Chiba (near Tokyo) and Osaka over two days and typically features performing artists and bands moving between each venue (though not every act appears in both cities). Music lovers, this festival is for you.<\/p>\n

\"sonic-festival-tokyo\"<\/p>\n

\"Tokyo<\/p>\n

While performers comprise plenty of Japanese rock bands, both\u00a0indie\u00a0and mainstream, the event also attracts major international acts. This year\u2019s festival line-up is glittering, with\u00a0Pharrell\u00a0Williams, The Chemical Brothers,\u00a0D\u2019Angelo\u00a0and the Vanguard,\u00a0Macklemore\u00a0and Ryan Lewis all set to perform. There will be a lot to see, do and hear at this festival, with around 120 acts performing across eight stages.<\/p>\n

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When: 15-16 August, 2015<\/em><\/p>\n

Where: Chiba (QVC\u00a0Marine Field and\u00a0Makuhari\u00a0Messe) and Osaka (Maishima\u00a0Summer Sonic Osaka site),\u00a0Japan<\/em><\/p>\n