National Holiday

February 23 marks Brunei's National Day. Parades are held at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium before an enthusiastic crowd of up to 35,000 spectators. It is an extravaganza of colour, music and lively displays. The Sultan and other members of the royal family attend the celebrations.

Awal Ramadhan

The month of Ramadhan is a holy month for Muslims. It is a period of fasting between dusk. For the breaking of fast, when the mosques call out to signal the time, foodstalls sell a wide variety of cakes, local delicacies and fruit which are set up in many areas. This is a good time to try local foodstuff which are sold at cheap prices.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Muslims celebrate the end of the fasting month with Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Prayers are held in the morning and then family and friends get together to celebrate in the colourful, new clothes.

The sultan also welcomes visitors to Istana Nurul Iman during the festive occasion which gives people the opportunity to extend greetings to the Royal Family.

Royal Brunei Armed Forces Day

The formation of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces is commemorated every year on May 31, and the event usually takes place at the Taman Haji Sir Omar Ali Saiffudden in the heart of the city.

It consists of a military parade and displays, such as a parachute show or battle demonstrations.

Hari Raya Aidiladha

Also known as Hari Raya Korban, it marks the time when Muslims embark on the Haj, or holy pilgrimage to Mecca.

His Majesty the Sultan's Birthday

July 15, This is a joyous occasion during which the whole country celebrates with festivities. It usually starts when the people gather at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien, in the centre of Bandar Seri Begawan.

The Sultan meets them and delivers the titah, speech, to mark the occasion. Following this is an investiture at the Istana Nurul Iman, and, for the next two weeks, a series of processions, parades and fireworks brighten the streets.

Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad

The occasion is better known as Mauludun Nabi Saw. Muslims gather at the Taman Haji Sir Omar Ali Saifuddien to honour the occasion. There are readings from the Koran and an address from the Ministry of Religious Affairs to open the function. The Sultan delivers a titah and then, along with other members of the Royal Family, leads a procession on foot through the main streets of Bandar Seri Begawan.

Chinese New Year

The Chinese community celebrates this festival for two weeks. It begins with a traditional reunion dinner on the eve of the celebration, which all members of the family attend. Ang Pow or red packets are given to unmarried youngsters.

Christmas Day

December 25. Although not celebrated on a wide scale, Christmas Day is nevertheless a happy occasion well received by the nation. It centres around Bandar Seri Begawan and the Belait District, where the greatest concentration of Christian expatriates reside.