Minor Basilica of St Anne
Jalan Kulim, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Penang
In Bukit Mertajam, Seberang Perai Tengah, on the mainland. The parish's records go back to 1846.
Directions in Google MapsSt Anne's Feast 2027, Bukit Mertajam
Feast day Mon 26 July 2027 at the Minor Basilica of St Anne, with a candlelight procession through the streets of Bukit Mertajam.
Photo: Sheba_Also, CC BY-SA 2.0
The feast day is in 274 days
Mon 26 July 2027. The basilica announces the festival dates and the procession night closer to the time.
See the procession nightThe feast in one minute
Every July, Catholics from across Malaysia come to the Minor Basilica of St Anne in Bukit Mertajam, on the mainland side of Penang, for the Feast of St Anne. The feast day is 26 July; in 2027 that is a Monday.
The night to plan around is the candlelight procession: Mass in the evening, then a statue of St Anne carried through the streets next to the church, with thousands walking behind it holding candles. In 2026 the feast ran for ten days, 17 to 26 July, and the procession was on Saturday 25 July.
Visitors of any faith come to watch. 26 July is not a public holiday.
Pesta St Anne 2027, Bukit Mertajam
Hari pesta St Anne jatuh pada Isnin, 26 Julai 2027, di Minor Basilica of St Anne, Jalan Kulim, Bukit Mertajam. Perarakan lilin diadakan pada waktu malam di jalan-jalan sekitar gereja. Pada tahun 2026, pesta berlangsung dari 17 hingga 26 Julai dan perarakan lilin diadakan pada Sabtu, 25 Julai, dari 7 malam hingga 11 malam.
The procession night
How it ran in 2025 and 2026. The basilica sets the programme each year.
9am
Roads close
In 2026 Jalan Kulim closed outside the basilica from 9am on the Saturday until 2pm on the Sunday.
7pm
Evening Mass
Crowds gather in the grounds from the early evening. In 2025 Mass began at 7pm.
8.30pm to 11pm
Candlelight procession
In 2025 the statue left the church at 8.30pm on a 1.6km loop via Jalan Kulim, Jalan Kampung Baru and Jalan Berjaya, back at about 11pm.
Where it is and how to get there
By car or Grab
From George Town, cross the Penang Bridge to the mainland. On procession day the road outside the basilica is closed, so expect to be dropped off nearby and walk the last stretch. Drivers coming from Kulim are diverted via Jalan Rozhan or Jalan Sepakat.
By ferry
The ferry from George Town to Butterworth takes about 10 minutes, then continue by car or Grab to Bukit Mertajam. The last ferry back from Butterworth leaves at 11:00 pm, before the procession ends, so plan a car back over the bridge.
Plan your visit
Where to stay
The procession ends late on the mainland. A bed on the mainland side saves the drive back over the bridge at midnight.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is St Anne's Feast 2027 in Bukit Mertajam?
The feast day is Monday 26 July 2027. The basilica announces the dates of the festival around it, and the night of the candlelight procession, closer to the time. In 2026 the feast ran from 17 to 26 July, with the procession on Saturday 25 July.
What time is the candlelight procession?
In 2026 it was on the Saturday night, 25 July, from 7pm to 11pm. In 2025 Mass began at 7pm, the procession with the statue of St Anne left the church at 8.30pm and returned at about 11pm. Check the basilica's announcements for the year you go.
Where does the procession go?
Around the streets next to the basilica. In 2025 it was a 1.6km loop along Jalan Kulim, Jalan Kampung Baru and Jalan Berjaya, starting and ending at the church. In 2026 the police listed rolling closures on Jalan Kampung Baru and Jalan Berjaya during the procession.
Which roads are closed?
In 2026, Jalan Kulim from the Caltex petrol station to the Taman Bukit Indah traffic lights was closed from 9am on Saturday 25 July to 2pm on Sunday 26 July. Drivers from Kulim were sent along Jalan Rozhan or Jalan Sepakat to Jalan Muhibbah and Jalan Kampung Baru. The police announce the closures for each year in the week before.
Where is the Minor Basilica of St Anne?
On Jalan Kulim in Bukit Mertajam (14000), in Seberang Perai Tengah on the mainland side of Penang. It is not on Penang Island: from George Town you cross the Penang Bridge or take the ferry to Butterworth.
Can non-Catholics go?
Yes. The feast is held in the church grounds and on public streets, and visitors come to watch the procession. Dress modestly for the church and Mass.
How old is the parish?
The parish's records go back to 1846, and the church was built and rebuilt several times since. The current church is the Minor Basilica of St Anne.
Is 26 July a public holiday?
No. It is not a public holiday in Penang. In 2027 it falls on a Monday.