Since the capital of Malaysia is visited by many tourists from China, and among the locals, there are many ethnic Chinese, two most important holidays - Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival - are celebrated for them here. The first event usually falls on February and lasts for two days, during which Petaling Street in Chinatown changes miraculously: everywhere there are grandiose celebrations, houses are hung with paper cherry flowers and red lamps. The holiday is never complete without theatrical performances and colorful parades headed by the symbol of China - the dragon. Well, traditional “moon cakes” are baked specially for the Mid-Autumn Festival. All Chinese people prepare this bakery product at home at this time. Restaurants, hotels, and cafes keep up with them, preparing their own cakes with original flavors.
Kuala Lumpur is also home to many Indians for whom the main holiday is Thaipusam. It is usually held in February and can be a little incomprehensible for Europeans, but it still shows a multi-faceted Indian culture. The event is also known as the “Feast of Sacrifice” since hundreds of Indians carry the "Kavadis" with gifts for the god of war Murugan on their shoulders. Some believers pierce their face with knitting needles, set themselves on fire or hang on hooks. However, not a single drop of blood should appear on their bodies if they kept a fast properly before the holiday. The pilgrims' final destination is the Sri Mahamariamman Temple. In total, participants of the ceremony overcome fifteen kilometers.
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