GEORGE TOWN: A lighting-up ceremony at Armenian Park here marked the start of the countdown to the much-anticipated Miaohui 2026 cultural festival, to be held next month.
The ceremony also saw the unveiling of the official mascot “Xiao Jun”, an anthropomorphic horse holding a scroll.
It is the centrepiece of festive decorations, which also include giant drums, golden trees and several hundred red lanterns at the venue.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Miaohui has come a long way since it began in 1999, founded by local arts and culture enthusiasts.
It has since grown into the state’s biggest Chinese New Year carnival, drawing tens of thousands of visitors with each edition.
Now in its 27th year, it continues its legacy of cultural seed-planting.
“By giving younger generations the chance to connect with culture from an early age, it ensures that time-honoured traditions are maintained and passed on.
“The decoding journey aspect this year invites all of us to slow down and take a closer look at the meaning behind our culture.
“From ancestral hall architecture and plaques to couplets and traditional skills, each element carries the wisdom of those before us.
“Through this journey, we are reminded of the depth, beauty and enduring charm of cultural heritage,” Chow said in his speech at the lighting up event on Saturday.
To be held on Feb 21 or the fifth day of Chinese New Year, this year's event themed "The Journey of Decoding", will be held from 4pm to 11pm and turn the city into a living stage of tradition and community spirit.
An event spokesperson said it will cover 12 streets within the heritage zone, including Armenian Street, Acheh Street, Cannon Street and Soo Hong Lane.
The public will get to explore 23 ancestral halls, most of which are not normally open to the public.
There will also be 17 stage performances and 30 hands-on workshops.
The workshops allow visitors to take home meaningful souvenirs of their experience, reinforcing a deeper understanding of the cultures and traditions highlighted.
For the first time under the event, Masjid Melayu (Jamek) Lebuh Acheh would be opening its doors to the public, reflecting the strong spirit of mutual respect and multicultural harmony.
Though Miaohui literally translates to "temple fair", its activities are not religious but cultural in nature - with an emphasis on traditional arts, performances, crafts and community activities.
It is organised by the Penang Chinese Clan Council (PCCC) in collaboration with the Penang Cultural Inheritors Society.
Also present at the launch on Saturday night were Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim, Women, Family and Community Development Deputy Minister Lim Hui Ying, state social
development, welfare and non-religious committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, Tourism Malaysia deputy chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin, PCCC chairman Ho Swee
Choon, Chinese Consul-General in Penang Zhou Youbin, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng and Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng.
For the full line-up of activities, follow the official social media at www.facebook.com/pgcny or www.instagram.com/penangmiaohui.
