Pesta Pulau Pinang is a trade expo that is held every year at the Pesta Site in Sungai Nibong, Penang. The trade expo is usually held throughout the month of December, and has been held annually since the late 1960's. Usually, there will be pavilions sponsored by different corporate bodies as well as the tourism board of a few neighboring countries.
It has been generally acknowledged that Pesta Pulau Pinang has lost the grandeur of its heydays in the 60's and 70's, when it attracts all levels of society. Today, the middle class shy away from Pesta Pulau Pinang, owing to the often lackluster attractions that appeal only to certain segments of the working class. Critics call Pesta Pulau Pinang a glorified pasar malam where you have to pay entrance fee to view night market merchandise. To lure more people to attend the Pesta, it organises exhibitions as well as invite special performances. The Miss Pesta Pulau Pinang beauty pagent is also an annual event, though it is something that is participated by the non-Muslim population.
