C

itrawarna, internationally known as Colours of Malaysia, is an annual event taking place throughout the month of March in Malaysia, with nationwide cultural exhibitions that will surely educate while at the same time entertain not just tourists, but also Malaysians as a whole.

Last year's event was fi lled with spectacular traditional dance performances such as Kuda Kepang dance from Johor, Ulek Mayang from Terengganu and Mak Yong from Kelantan, colorful parades, food fi estas and an array of arts and crafts exhibitions.

Initially started in 1999 to both introduce and display the rich cultural heritages of the country, its preparations and celebrations in 2010 have unfortunately been overshadowed by other events. This year's main Citrawarna event is apparently planned to kick off on March 20 in the state of Putrajaya, but confi rmation and valid information about the program is elusive.

But don't fret, as different states have prepared their own traditional exhibitions for Colors of Malaysia, so do go and check, and you'll be surprised.

In addition, there are a number of other things you won't want to miss in Malaysia this second week of March. With the 15th Le Tour de Langkawi 2010 having ended on March 7, the week's hype is fl oating toward the Malaysian Grand Prix and its accompanying promotional effort, the Malaysia GP Sale 2010.

The Malaysia GP Sale 2010 is 37 days of sales and promotions held in the lead up to, during and after the Malaysian F1 Grand Prix on April 2 to 4. The sale started on March 6 and will end with a blast on April 11.

Over 450 retail stores are joining the event, while majestic malls throughout Malaysia such as Queensbay Mall, Pavilion KL, Berjaya Times Square, Vern's, Parkson, 1Utama, not to mention brand oriented stores like Crocs Concept Stores and Hush Puppies Footwear, will hold different sales programs to attract more shopaholics throughout the month-long celebration.

MasterCard Worldwide is the offi cial partner for the sale festival, offering cardholders a bunch of tempting offers that cover just about everything from retail merchandise to hotel stays, food and beverages and spa treatments throughout the Malaysia GP Sale 2010 period.

The event's biggest programs, however, will not be initiated until the beginning of April, namely The Malaysian International Shoe Festival 2010 (MISF), to be held from April 2 to 4 at Putra Jaya World Trade Center, and the POPMRKT MALAYSIA (street-wear brand exhibition) from April 10 to 11 at Metropolitan Square Rooftop Pool.

Malaysia Tourism will also hold KL Sunday 1 Malaysia Family Fair on Jl. Ampang on selected weeks to bring more exciting activities and sales of eclectic "one-of-a-kind" products, ranging from arts and crafts, fashion and accessories to food and home furnishing. Over 30 vendors will be offering merchandise to browse through on March 14, 21, 28 April 4 and 11.