The parade making its way down Farquhar Street amid rain. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
Revival hailed as reflection of multi-cultural harmony in Penang
PENANG’S Christmas parade − the first in 25 years − saw a marching band leading a 10-float procession participated by the state’s churches.
Along a 2km route around George Town, the parade featured glittering Christmas trees, Santa Claus figures, glowing reindeer, nativity scenes, wreaths, garlands and banners with festive greetings.
Heavy rain fell just as the parade departed St George’s Church on Farquhar Street but the parishioners went ahead with the procession undeterred.
The few not prepared with umbrellas, were drenched.
A local church group singing carols during the celebration at St George’s Church.
The entourage proceeded down Penang Road, Chulia Street and finally Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling – known as the “Street of Harmony” – before returning to the historic church.
St George’s Church, built in 1818, is the oldest Anglican church in South-East Asia.
The parade was last held on the island in 2000.
Asked about the long hiatus, event organising chairman Arokiadass Anthonysamy said it was mostly due to logistical constraints.
“Most churches are very busy during this period. We tried to revive it on many occasions but it was always too late to organise.
“This year, the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) pushed through to get it going,” he said.
The parade and open house were part of Penang’s state-level Christmas celebration, organised collaboratively by the Penang government through Harmonico (Penang Harmony Corporation), the Penang chapter of CFM and local churches.
The church and its illuminated mahogany tree beautifully reflected on the surface of a water puddle after rain.
Locals and tourists turned up for an evening of festive activities, delicacies, performances and pageantry.
Arokiadass said it was heartwarming to see Christians of every denomination coming together to celebrate the core of their faith.
During the celebration, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said, “Reviving this cherished tradition shows how our multi- racial community always chooses unity as the way forward.
“Penang has long demonstrated that diversity can be a powerful form of social capital which fuels progress, ensures stability and makes the state an inclusive place for everyone.”
Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying, who is now Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, said the parade’s route was fitting as the area had been a meeting point for trade, knowledge and cultural exchange for centuries.
Visitors checking out baked goods, artisanal crafts, toys and gifts on sale at the Christmas market.
“It was here that communities of various ethnicities and faiths lived side by side in mutual respect, nurturing a legacy of harmony that still defines the state today,” said Lim.
“Unity exists only when people choose to understand one another and show respect despite differences in culture, language and belief.
“We cannot take it for granted and must continually defend it through fair policies, matured discourse and a collective resolve to reject all forms of extremism and hatred,” she said.
The event also featured a Christmas market with around 50 vendors, selling an array of baked goods, artisanal crafts, toys and gifts, in addition to 10 food trucks.
On stage, 20 church and youth groups performed dances and Christmas carols.
Chow thanked the Christian community for their contributions to the state’s development.
He said RM1.884mil had been allocated to 54 non-Islamic houses of worship this year, with a further RM10mil set aside until 2028 for further assistance.
