GIANT flags on tall poles bobbing and fluttering halted traffic and drew crowds to watch performers balance them on their torsos and heads in the Penang Chingay Parade 2025.
Some were up to 10m high and towered over shophouses.
Chingay performers showing off their skills in front of Komtar landmark during the parade in George Town. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star( December 20, 2025 ) — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
It is one of the state’s most anticipated annual cultural parades and stretched for 4km from Padang Brown to the Esplanade in George Town.
This year’s event featured around 40 contingents and for the first time, the poles had decorative LED lights.
As they handed them off multiple times to others in their group, the performers nimbly avoided street lights and power cables.
The parade also featured floats, Chinese lions and dragons, a marching band, Peranakan women in trishaws, martial arts performances and a comedic ‘squabbling couple’ act.
There was also a presentation of “Dance to the City to Welcome World Heritage” by Persatuan Tarian Moden Malaysia (PTMM).
A mesmerising fire dragon show.
At an interactive zone at the Esplanade field, the public could have a crack at carrying the Chingay flags like the performers.
There was also an exhibition on Chingay’s origins and its significance to the Chinese community.
Penang Chingay Association president Ooi Thean Huat described the parade as a joyous community celebration.
“It was heartwarming to see people from different backgrounds turning out to experience the state’s multiculturalism,” he said.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this unity was the true strength of the state.
“The Chingay Parade is an event that belongs to everyone.
“More than just a spectacle of tradition, it symbolises George Town’s unique urban character and cultural pride.”
Penang Wushu, Lion and Dragon Dance Association president Datuk H’ng Ban Choon said the fact such art forms still survived after centuries showed the dedication and commitment to preserving culture.
He noted there were Singaporean groups, too.
“Such transnational exchanges not only enrich the parade but also highlight the cooperation that aids cultural transmission and strengthening of the grassroots,” he said.
State tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said this year’s event had extra significance as Penang, Johor and Singapore had jointly nominated Chingay for inscription on the Unesco Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, with the dossier submitted in March.
Youngsters performing martial arts during the event.
George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee said the parade embodied George Town’s Outstanding Universal Values (OUV).
“It highlights the continuity of the city’s living culture and folk traditions.
“We hope the event engaged the younger generations and gave them a newfound appreciation of this intangible cultural heritage.”
The parade was jointly organised by Wong’s office, GTWHI and the two aforementioned cultural associations.
