THE historic Esplanade waterfront came alive with drumbeats, cultural performances and the age-old ritual of tossing mandarin oranges into the sea as thousands gathered for Penang’s state-level Chap Goh Meh celebration.
With nostalgic decor, the Esplanade exuded old-world charm as crowds filled the scenic promenade to mark the end of Chinese New Year festivities.
Chap Goh Meh, Hokkien for “the 15th night”, is observed on the 15th day of the first lunar month.
About 50 stalls, food trucks and craft vendors lined the stretch in front of the Penang City Hall and Town Hall buildings, selling festive treats and handmade goods.
The seaside celebration was also enlivened by a colourful procession of themed floats that included a bus decorated by State Chinese Penang Association members.
Inspired by the dondang sayang (traditional interactive love ballads), the procession paid tribute to Penang’s Peranakan heritage.
Performers dressed in vibrant kebaya and other traditional attire, serenaded onlookers with folk melodies, evoking nostalgia that drew enthusiastic cheers.
Also present were the Ratu Kebaya contestants in their colourful outfits.
The highlight of the evening was the mandarin orange-tossing ritual at the seafront.
Traditionally associated with unmarried individuals seeking a life partner, the practice is today performed by many as a gesture of good luck and fresh beginnings.
Organised by Penang government, the event was a vibrant showcase of culture and tradition, with a packed programme throughout the night.
Among the standout performances was the lion dance on towering poles, with two lion dance pairs leaping and swaying in sync to thunderous drumbeats that reverberated across the Esplanade.
The spectacle continued with a Chingay display and the popular Chinese mask-changing act, drawing exclamations of wonder as performers’ faces transformed in the blink of an eye.
Live bands and musical performances also turned the waterfront into an open-air concert venue.
The festivities culminated in a dazzling fireworks display, marking a fitting close to the 15-day celebration.
At the event were Tan Yan Cheng, 37, who was there with her Think City colleagues.
The group of 10 laid out two large sheets picnic-style on the field so they could watch the performances while breaking fast together.
What began as a plan to enjoy the festivities turned into a meaningful cross-cultural experience.
“I had wanted to attend the celebration and one of my Malay colleagues suggested joining them here as they broke their fast,” said Tan.
Her colleague Nasuha Razay, 29, a conservator, said, “It is my first time experiencing this. Sharing a simple meal with my multi-ethnic friends truly reflects the spirit of harmony.”
Finance manager R. Murveena, 40, who recently moved from Kuala Lumpur, said it was her first time celebrating a picnic-style Chap Goh Meh with her colleagues.
“It is heartening to see different cultures come together and to feel so warmly embraced,” she said.
Tourists Samuel Lseb, 29, from Uganda, and Selena Hochveiter, 26, from Germany, were equally excited as they waited to toss mandarin oranges into the sea.
“We found out online about this event and we had to check it out,” said Lseb.
Although they had experienced Chinese New Year celebrations elsewhere, he said Penang’s festivities were unique.
“It is like a melting pot of cultures, with everyone living in harmony and celebrating each other’s traditions,” he added.
Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said about 30 events were held statewide in conjunction with this Chinese New Year.
He said this year’s celebration carried additional significance, following the recent international recognition of the Esplanade Seafront Promenade and seawall, which won the 2025 Unesco Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.
“All these efforts – preserving our cultures, expanding air connectivity and improving airport facilities – reflect Penang’s long-term commitment to tourism development.
“We want visitors to not only enjoy our festivals, but also experience convenience, efficiency and genuine hospitality.”
Wong (right, in red top) tossing oranges into the sea at the Esplanade seafront, joined by locals and tourists at the state-level Chap Goh Meh celebrations — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI and K. KASTURI DEWI/ The Star
Dondang sayang’ performers dressed in vibrant kebaya and traditional attire on one of the colourful floats. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI and K. KASTURI DEWI/ The Star
Spectators captivated by the Chingay display. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI and K. KASTURI DEWI/ The Star
The jaw-dropping lion dance performance at the celebration that drew thousands at the Esplanade.
Ratu Kebaya contestants on stage at the Chap Goh Meh celebration in Penang.
Tourists Lseb (right) and Hochveiter happy to wait for their turn at tossing oranges into the sea.
