Brunei Festivals

Most of Brunei's festivals have no fixed dates, but change annually according to the lunar calendar, so check with the tourist office. During Ramadan , Muslims spend the ninth month of the Islamic calendar (Jan-April) fasting in the daytime; during this time it is culturally sensitive for tourists not to eat or smoke blatantly in public during daylight hours. The festival celebrations of most interest to tourists include Brunei National Day (Feb 23), when the Sultan and 35,000 other Bruneians watch parades and fireworks at the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, just outside Bandar Seri Begawan; Hari Raya Aidilfitri , the end of the Ramadan fasting period (March/April), which is marked by the annual opening of Brunei's royal palace to the public; Brunei Armed Forces Day (June 1), when Bandar's square hosts parades and displays; and His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei's Birthday Celebrations (July 15), which kicks off a fortnight of parades, lantern processions, traditional sports competitions and fireworks.