(From right) Couple Tan and Ewe tossing their mandarin oranges into the sea during the Chap Goh Meh event at the Esplanade in George Town, Penang. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star
Thousands thronged the Esplanade in Penang for a vibrant Chap Goh Meh celebration, embracing the festival’s spirit of love and unity in spectacular fashion.
This year’s event held even greater significance as it coincided with Valentine’s Day.
Chap Goh Meh, meaning “15th night” of Chinese New Year in Hokkien, was celebrated with the theme “Reminiscing Love.”
The Esplanade was transformed into a nostalgic wonderland, adorned with vintage decorations and bustling with over 50 stalls offering food, art and crafts.
A drum performance entertaining the crowd at the Chap Goh Meh event.
The highlight of the evening was the orange-tossing ritual at the seafront, where visitors either brought their own mandarin oranges or purchased them at a dedicated kiosk.
Traditionally, unmarried individuals wrote their names and contact details on oranges before tossing them into the sea, hoping a suitor would retrieve them.
Nowadays, many toss oranges simply for good luck.
A Dondang Sayang Peranakan dance adding cultural elegance and colour to the celebration.
Among the enthusiastic participants were Jolin Tan, 30, and her husband, Sunny Ewe, 34, who arrived with a basket full of oranges.
“On each orange, we wrote our wishes and aspirations for the year, hoping they would come true once tossed into the sea,” said Tan.
“It is an annual occasion for us, but what makes it more special this year is that my hubby also bought me flowers for Valentine’s Day,” she said.
Organised by Penang government, the vibrant celebration featured a dazzling lineup of cultural performances.
Spectators were treated to an elegant Dondang Sayang Peranakan dance, a breathtaking lion dance on stilts performed by two lions, and pulsating drum shows.
Gloryn (left) and Glory Tay, both 23, with their mandarin oranges at the event.
Chingay and Chinese mask-changing performances kept the crowd enthralled, while live bands and musical acts added to the festive atmosphere.
The night culminated in a mesmerising fireworks display lighting up the sky.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow highlighted the state’s standing as one of Malaysia’s top tourism destinations, renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, nature’s beauty, and culinary delights.
Fireworks lighting up the night for the festivities at the Esplanade.
“We continue to prioritise public security with the installation of 1,000 additional closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras across Seberang Perai to ensure a safe environment.
“Our cultural heritage plays a pivotal role in the national tourism agenda,” he added.
‘Lions’ dancing on stilts wow the crowd at the Chap Goh Meh celebration.
Accompanied by state leaders, Chow also took part in the orange-tossing ceremony, symbolically welcoming fortune and prosperity.
Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the Chap Goh Meh event was particularly special this year, blending the romantic traditions of the East and West while underscoring Penang’s reputation for multicultural harmony and inclusivity.
