Step into the heart of the Nusantara as Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts returns for its 24th edition at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay from 1 – 4 May 2025! A beloved celebration of Malay arts and culture, the festival is a highlight of the season that the community can look forward to during Hari Raya Aidilfitri. This year’s festival features an array of music, dance, theatre and storytelling—each work rich in history, heritage and the creative spirit of our region.

Each year, as we put together the festival, we are reminded of how the arts often make us feel, such as the moments of joy, nostalgia, wonder and connection that it brings. It is not just about the performances but rather, the people behind them, the stories they carry, and the bonds that are formed through them.

This year, we have commissioned and warmly welcome back to the festival, TEATER KAMi, a theatre company with a long and cherished history, as they breathe new life into A. Samad Said’s literary classic SALINA. In a heartfelt and humorous turn, Hafidz Rahman takes us on a deeply personal journey with My Name Is (NOT) Khan, a monologue exploring his obsession with all things Bollywood.

For the first time, renowned Indonesian choreographer Hartati brings her work to our stage with Jarum Dalam Jerami (Needle in a Haystack), a contemporary dance performance where movement expresses what words cannot. Warning: there will be hay!

And what is the Nusantara without its rhythm and music? At the Esplanade Annexe Studio, three incredible artists from the region take us on a journey through folk, pop, and rap. Malaysia’s Noh Salleh, Indonesia’s Pamungkas, and Singapore’s very own G-Town Collective, each bring their unique sound while speaking the universal language of rhythm and emotion.

In a special tribute, we come together to celebrate Datuk Habsah Hassan, a beloved lyricist whose words have shaped some of the most well-loved songs in our region. Dari Sudut Hati, Habsah Hassan is a star-studded concert honouring her artistry, which has given voice to love, longing and joy across generations.

Beyond the ticketed programmes, don’t miss the chance to experience Pesta Raya’s free programmes. This year, celebrate dikir barat group Kelana Purba’s 30th anniversary, enjoy pop hits from Kaki Nyanyi, alumni from Mediacorp’s reality singing competition, and witness the grace and discipline of silat through performances around the centre. Finally, round up your Pesta Raya experience by wandering through the Pesta Raya x Me-You Market, where a curated selection of vendors from across the Nusantara bring together lifestyle, craft and culture!

Through the years, the festival reflects our shared roots and the many voices that shape our community. At its heart are the incredible artists we work with, our partners, supporters and our audience. We would like to thank our Principal Sponsor, Naturel for their generous support of Pesta Raya 2025.

We invite you to celebrate with us, come together to enjoy the arts, and embrace the stories and culture that remind us of who we are and where we come from.

See you at Pesta Raya 2025!

Hanie Nadia Hamzah 

Producer, The Esplanade Co Ltd