Wholesome experience at Mid-Autumn Festival

The more, the merrier: People taking part in a parade during the Tanglung Festival 2018 in Lebuh Chulia.

GEORGE TOWN: The Chinese community in the country celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival by going back to its roots.

Besides the usual feasting on mooncakes and reunion dinners, those celebrating the festival – held on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar – also took part in activities held to commemorate the event.

The Tanglung Festival 2018 held at Penang Hill was packed with fun activities and performances for the young and old.

The festivities began with a sand art booth for children where they could let their imaginations run wild, a magic show by a clown and various Latin and traditional dance performances.

There were also martial arts demonstrations and a violin performance.

Organised by Penang Hill Corporation, the Air Putih constituency and the Ayer Itam constituency, the festival culminated in a beautiful fireworks display.

Penang Hill Corporation general manager Cheok Lay Leng said it was a day to enjoy good music and performances while renewing friendships and family ties.

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, who was the guest of honour, said he was delighted that many people were able to gather for the celebration.

“I am happy to be here celebrating the festival with everyone,” said Lim, who is also Air Putih assemblyman.

Also present at the event were Bukit Bendera MP Wong Hon Wai, Ayer Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng and Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang.

The Ng Fook Thong Cantonese Districts Association also celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival with a parade along the streets in George Town on Sunday night.

The event, which was co-organised by the Village Security and Deve­lopment Committee of Lebuh Chulia, was launched by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.