Children exploring the lantern-filled pavilion centerpiece of the "Blossoms Under the Full Moon" decorations set up at Armenian Park for Pesta Tanglung Tanjong 2025. ( September 22, 2025 ) — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
CHILDREN hold lanterns while walking under a moonlit sky, their laughter accompanying the chatter of family members.
The lanterns, many adorned with customised motifs, cast a warm glow as the children amble around the bustling Armenian Park in George Town, Penang.
These timeless scenes – which have played out for centuries – could be seen at the Mid-Autumn Carnival that’s part of the month-long “Pesta Tanglung Tanjong”.
Many of the lanterns were handmade by participants at the event’s free public workshops on Sunday.
For many families, it was an opportune moment to keep the tradition alive and also to get their youngsters outdoors, away from digital devices.
Yong Hui Chien, 45, said her children Cheok Jiun Sen, 10, and Jiun Nee, eight, enjoyed the floral lantern workshop.
They were given mini glass bottles to paint patterns on, after which LED string lights were inserted for illumination.
“We have been coming to the carnival for several years now and they have been able to experience different things each time.
Children carrying lanterns around Armenian Park for the Pesta Tanglung Tanjong in celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival. — Photos LIM BENG TATT/The Star
“Hands-on activities are a good way for young children to learn about culture. Such opportunities do not come often,” said Yong.
At another station, participants were taught how to make traditional lanterns. They assembled wooden frames before glueing on paper panels decorated with their own designs.
Office administrator Chuan Xiao Wei, 40, spent quality time crafting the bespoke pieces with her children Loh Yu Hann, 11, and Yu Chiee, eight.
“It was a fun experience and more meaningful than buying ready-made lanterns,” said Chuan.
Business owner Lim Wei Loong, 35, was spotted doing the opera mask colouring activity with his son Gerald, seven.
“His mask colours weren’t traditional, but what mattered was that he learnt about something like opera which he normally wouldn't be interested in.
“Culture can be more engaging when presented in a way children can touch and remember,” said Lim.
There were 22 workshops, including Chinese tea art, paper cutting, wood carving, archery, glass beading, henna, batik painting, ink painting and mooncakes baking.
Workshop facilitators like Loh Kooi Loong, who is president of the Penang Chinese Brush Painting Art Society, said he believed such activities could help keep traditions alive.
“While Chinese brush painting dates back some 2,000 years, it is less popular in Penang compared to other forms of art.
“Occasions like these can broaden its appeal and strengthen Penang's reputation as a hub for creative pursuits.”
Loh also said that the practice of ancient pastimes often transcended age and skill as they were meant to be activities bringing the community together.
“It is heart-warming to see different generations doing something meaningful,” he said, pointing to a 25m-long painting collectively done by 28 members.
Loh (second right) teaching a child Chinese brush painting at the Mid-Autumn Carnival.
Memorable takeaways
Learning was part of the fun at the Mid-Autumn Carnival. At the end, participants took their handiwork home.
Loh said this could be a memento to remember the occasion or even as a gift to loved ones.
“A family member or friend might see the creation and be inspired to learn the craft themselves,” he said.
For tourists like Virgile de Ridder, 23, and Lell Harcq, 24, these were also priceless souvenirs.
The Belgian couple were visiting Penang for the first time and exploring the city when they chanced upon the event.
“It was a richly colourful experience. We checked out different stations and chose activities that caught our eye.
“This allowed us to immerse in the local culture and learn it directly from locals who have all been extremely kind and welcoming,” said Harcq, a bio-engineering graduate.
De Ridder, a construction graduate, said it was a bit challenging to make lanterns and money pouches.
“We love experiencing the local way of life when we travel, and these items will be nice mementos,” he said.
Tourist Emily Carter, 32, from Australia, was similarly captivated by the sights and sounds.
She was particularly impressed by the inclusive atmosphere.
“Everyone was so keen to share aspects of their heritage. It allowed me to experience Penang in ways I never expected,” said Carter.
Besides the workshops, there were also stage performances to keep the crowd entertained throughout the night.
Yong and her children Jiun Sen (left) and Jiun Nee making lanterns out of glass jars at a workshop.
The soulful tunes of Chinese orchestral music contrasted the flamboyance of cultural dances and mass Zumba sessions.
Gasps greeted diabolo performers who sent spinning spools flying through the air then catching them on the strings with impeccable precision, while the booming thuds of war drums provided a rousing contrast.
In between, poetry recitations brought the wisdom of ancient verses to life. Equally well-received were the live renditions of popular songs.
While launching the event, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said it illustrated the power of festivals to unite people of diverse backgrounds.
“Penang’s development has always been intertwined with culture and tourism.
“While industry and manufacturing remain the economic pillars, culture and tourism are the city’s soul.
“As a Unesco World Heritage site, George Town is more than a symbol – it is a responsibility. We have to pursue modernisation and growth without losing our cultural roots.
“Festivals exemplify this balance. They not only attract visitors and stimulate the economy, they also preserve heritage and foster creativity.
“Culture is not merely about safeguarding traditions, it is about reimagining them for the future,” said Chow.
Chuan with her children Yu Hann (right) and Yu Chiee showing off their handmade lanterns.
Beautiful backdrop
The Mid-Autumn Carnival took place around a festive backdrop themed “Blossoms Under The Full Moon”.
Its centrepiece is a striking orange pavilion with a three-tiered roof and flanked by a pair of lantern- framed bridges, surrounded by floral arrangements.
A giant mooncake sculpture provided another focal point. Overhead, several hundred lanterns in pink, blue, purple and orange cast a kaleidoscopic glow.
The beautiful display has drawn steady streams of visitors each night since it was lit up on Sept 22.
The festival was organised by the Kampung Kolam Village Community Management Council for the third consecutive year.
Its inaugural edition was in 2019 but paused during the Covid-19 pandemic.
It resumed in 2023 and has been held annually since.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Mooncake or Lantern Festival, is observed on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, which falls on Oct 6 this year.
It originated as a harvest celebration in ancient China around 3,500 years ago and gained popularity during the Tang Dynasty.
Chinese families have gathered to admire the full moon ever since. The sharing of mooncakes, which are round, also signify completeness.
Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying said the festival’s visual appeal may attract younger generations who could promote it on social media to the world.
“Penang’s charm lies not only in its historical buildings but also the traditions and heritage of its diverse ethnic groups,” said Lim, who is also Tanjong MP.
