Despite the sudden rain in the evening, the excitement at this year’s Penang’s Chingay Festival was not diminished, as 45 teams participated in the parade to display the state’s diverse cultural heritage. Members from various associations and groups gathered at 7pm near Padang Brown in Jalan Johor before forming a long line and parading through the city.
They walked through Jalan Penang, Jalan Burma, Jalan Transfer, Jalan Sri Bahari, Jalan Penang, Jalan Chulia, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling before ending at Lebuh Light, about four hours later. Many spectators held umbrellas as they watched the parade despite the rain.
During the parade, the Chingay teams performed stunts like balancing giant flagpoles on their forehead and chin, along with dragon and lion dances, stilt walking, and performances by school bands.
The event concluded with a fireworks show at Lebuh Light, in front of the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce building at around 11pm. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai were among the attendees.
The term “Chingay” originates from the Mandarin term for “the art of costume” and “masquerade” in Hokkien. The Chinese in Penang first performed the Chingay in 1919 to celebrate the birthday of the Goddess of Mercy.
Over the years, the parade has evolved and is now a way to promote tourism. In 2012, it was recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by the National Heritage Department.
