and festivals are religiously oriented,
but there are also holidays that
commemorate important historical
events. The First Day of Hijrah, the
birthday of the Prophet Mohammad, and
Chinese New Year don't have fixed
dates and other notable celebrations
include National Day and the Sultan's
Birthday.
New Year's Day
The New Year's Eve (December 31)
celebration kicks off with locals playing
tennis, golf, squash, scuba diving,
bowling, kayaking, and even windsurfing
in anticipation of New Year's Day. Come
January 1st, there are fireworks
displays and exuberant gatherings for
families and friends.
Prophet Muhammad's Birthday
An Islamic holiday without a fixed date,
Muhammad's Birthday usually falls in
January/February. The Sultan and the
rest of the royal Brunei family typically
lead a procession throughout Bandar
Seri Begawan.
National Day
February 23 is Brunei's National Day,
an annual celebration of its
independence from Britain. Though
freedom was actually achieved on
January 1, 1984, the official celebration
is held every February 23 to follow
tradition.
Royal Brunei Armed Forces
Day
Armed Forces Day is celebrated every
May 31 to pay tribute to the dedicated
men and women behind the Royal
Brunei army. You will see displays of
artillery, exhibitions, parachuting, and
military parades.
Sultan's Birthday
July 15 is Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's
birthday. He is the 29th Sultan and
Yang Di-Pertuan of the country, and is
also the first Prime Minister of Brunei.
He was born in 1946 in Brunei Town,
which is currently known as the capital,
Bandar Seri Begawan.
First Day of Hijra
This day celebrates the migration of the
prophet Muhammad and his followers to
Medina from Mecca. This festival also
marks the Islamic New Year, so it
doesn't have a fixed date but typically
falls in June/July.
End of Ramadan
Eid al-Fitr is the celebrated at the end of
Ramadan or the month of fasting, which
is the ninth month in the Islamic
calendar. There is also no set date, but
it usually takes place in August.
Children are given presents and money,
and everyone wears new clothes.
Muslims go to the mosque in the
morning for special Eid prayers, worship
and thanksgiving. The rest of the day is
all about eating and socializing with
friends and family.
Christmas Day
Brunei celebrates Christmas on
December 25 like the rest of the world
with family gatherings and gifts.
*culled from www.iexplore.com
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