Celebrating shared heritage in Penang

Joyce Leong and husband Darren Woong, with son Chester, marvelling at the gilded wood carving of ‘The God’s Palanquin’ at Loo Pun Hong, a carpenters’ guild in George Town, Penang.

LARGE crowds packed the streets for the George Town Heritage Celebrations 2026 Street Festival themed “Kongsi Cerita!”.

Organised by George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI), the celebrations featured a historical building open house, granting the public access to 12 heritage sites.

Visitors doing origami at Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple.

Visitors of all ages immersed themselves in Penang’s multicultural heritage by trying on traditional attire, exploring historical Chinese temples and mosques, and learning about Islamic customs.

Visitors admiring the ornate ceiling and pillars while on a guided tour of Arulmigu Sri Maha Mariamman Temple at Lebuh Queen.

At the Teochew Puppet and Opera House interactive session, many tried their hand at traditional iron-rod puppetry.

A volunteer in front of the Teochew Puppet and Opera House giving an iron-rod puppetry demonstration.

Other highlights included a tour of Loo Pun Hong, the Cantonese carpenters’ guild on Love Lane built in 1801, where visitors learned about the palanquins of deities.

Visitors participating in a petal toss during the ‘All’s Fair in Love and Games’ activity by the Indian Muslim Community Organisation Malaysia.

Crowds also witnessed a traditional Indian Muslim “wedding”, showering the couple with petals as they were seated on a decorated dais.

Akin Woon and daughter Karyme wearing the traditional Indian Muslim attire of the Kadayanallur and Tenkasi communities.

The festival marked the 18th anniversary of George Town’s Unesco World Heritage site inscription.

A volunteer demonstrating the ablution process to tourists visiting Masjid Melayu Lebuh Acheh.