A series of thrilling performances and hands-on activities allowed Penang folk and tourists alike to immerse themselves in local customs and traditions.
Visitors to the Tanjong Chinese New Year celebration tried their hand at traditional games and handicraft, against the colourful backdrop of heritage shophouses at Lebuh King in George Town.
At a hanfu corner, visitors donned flowing, layered garments and added props to get into character for photos.
Among them was tourist Alexandra Gaydou, an Argentine who has been travelling around Asia for more than a decade.
“I’ve been coming to Penang every Chinese New Year since 2014, except during the (Covid-19) pandemic, to experience the festive atmosphere,” said Gaydou.
“I finally got to try on a traditional costume today, which I’ve long wanted to do.
“Penang really has everything, from culture and architecture to landscape and food – which is among the best in the world.”
Polish architect Klaudia Stasiak, 26, described the event as beautiful and eye-opening.
“It was lovely to soak in the atmosphere and experience the local culture in person.
“Such activities make a celebration far more exciting.
“Most were things I’ve never encountered before.
“I was especially drawn to the lion dance – the beats and rhythms were entrancing,” said Stasiak, who was accompanied by her boyfriend Low Jia Hao.
Low, 27, is based in Guangdong, China, but returned home for Chinese New Year.
The couple joined in the raucous tossing of yee sang to usher in prosperity and good fortune for the coming year.
“This was her first Chinese New Year. It was nice to be able to share my culture with her,” said Low, who is also an architect.
The festivities also served as an educational outing for families.
Chinese chess, calligraphy, paper cutting, dough figurine and Teochew puppetry were among the other activities.
Puppet movements captivated Lee Zi Wei, six, who came with his mother Saw Pei Pei, 40, and father Lee Kok Aun, 38.
Saw said they wanted to expose their son to cultural elements so he would gain a better appreciation of his heritage.
The crowd’s attention turned to the main stage once the lion dance performance on high platforms kicked off.
Members of the Penang Hong Guan Culture Association leapt from pole to pole in perfect synchrony to the rhythm of drums and cymbals, drawing gasps of awe from the crowd.
There were also dance numbers by local group ODDZ, a wushu showcase by Zhou Jia Quan and a Chinese orchestra performance by Chung Ling Private High School.
A festive drums set by Persatuan Kesenian dan Budaya Xiang Yi Cheng, opera show by Teochew Puppetry and Opera, face-changing act by Quan Yee Sichuan Mask Changing and brief fireworks display completed the line-up.
Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying, whose office organised the annual event, said the aim was to bring the festive spirit of Chinese New Year back to the city’s streets.
“Last year was the first time we turned a traditional celebration into an open, street festival for the public – one where you not only get to witness but be a part of our unique culture.
“Occasions like these create opportunities for us to understand each other better and foster greater unity,” said Lim, who is also Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister.
