A float highlighting the traditional Peranakan ‘dondang sayang’ sharing mandarin oranges with the crowd at a previous Chap Goh Meh celebration at the Esplanade. — Filepic
PENANG is gearing up to host at least 10 major events throughout the year.
The festivities will kick off with the state-level celebration of Chap Goh Meh today, which is expected to draw thousands to the Esplanade.
Originally scheduled for Wednesday, it was postponed to accommodate Thaipusam, which fell on Tuesday.
Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said this year’s festival would coincide with Valentine’s Day, offering a unique east-meets-west experience.
The theme for this year’s Chap Goh Meh Festival, “Reminiscing Love”, will highlight the significance of love, unity and heritage.
The event will be held from 5pm to 11pm.
Wong said visitors could expect cultural performances, food stalls, arts and crafts activities and the traditional mandarin orange-tossing ceremony during the celebration.
Wong added that an array of other interesting events have been lined up throughout the year.
“We have the George Town Heritage Celebration and Bon Odori scheduled in July, followed by the Dragon Boat Festival in November.
“There will also be the Penang Bridge International Marathon as well as the Butterworth Chingay and Penang Chingay celebrations in December.
“It will be a busy end of the year,” he said.
However, organisers of events such as Penang Hill Festival, Butterworth Fringe Festival, Nibong Tebal Festival and George Town Festival have yet to confirm their dates.
Wong said as most of the annual events were already established, the state wanted to approach them with new ideas and fresh branding.
He said the state was also collaborating with arts, cultural and tourism communities to develop some of the new events, such as the Malaysia International Miniature Hobby Show & Malcom 2025 to be held at St Giles Wembley in Penang on June 14 and 15.
Wong said Lonely Planet’s listing of Penang among “seven best destinations to visit in South-East Asia” would strengthen the state’s position on the world tourism map.
Earlier, Wong and staff from his office visited Star Media Group (SMG) in Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling to spread some festive joy.
Present were SMG client brand marketing (bureaus) general manager Simone Liong and senior news editor Alex Teng.
