Armenian Park all lit up during the opening ceremony of the Penang Chinese New Year Celebration (Miaohui) 2024. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
Lantern ceremony marks arrival of CNY in George Town
BRIGHT red lanterns now adorn several streets within the heritage enclave in George Town to usher the Chinese New Year festive spirit.
The lanterns, strung from poles and span across roads, would be lit up at night until the end of Chinese New Year on Feb 24.
At the lighting up ceremony, Penang Chinese Clan Council chairman Datuk Leong Keng Fei said the lanterns were part of the 2024 Penang Chinese New Year Celebration (Miao Hui) event.
A spectator recording the procession with her handphone.
“The lanterns signify the arrival of Chinese New Year,” he said.
“A total of 2,200 lanterns have been installed ahead of the event featuring over 45 exhibition booths.
“This is the 25th year we are organising the event and it is something people look forward to every year,” he said during the lantern lighting up ceremony in Armenian Park.
Chow says the event has always maintained its traditional element.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow who launched the celebration, said the event had maintained its traditional elements and commended the organisers for having it each year.
“Miao Hui has always adhered to its mission of promoting culture and cultural inheritance, and this belief remains unchanged to this day.
Students from various schools performing during the ceremony.
“We firmly believe that Penang’s rich and profound cultural heritage will continue to be showcased during the event, therefore the state government will also continue giving its full support for it,” he said in his speech.
Also present was vice-consul-general of China in Penang Ding Qiao and Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying, who is Deputy Finance Minister.
Hundreds of visitors turned up for the ceremony, which saw dance and musical performances by various schools.
