Penang to celebrate Chingay Festival on Dec 23 and 30

BUTTERWORTH: The annual Chingay Festival in Penang will be held in Butterworth on Saturday (Dec 23) followed by George Town on Dec 30.

State tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the Butterworth edition will see the parade start from Dewan Dato Haji Ahmad Badawi in Bagan Luar to Tow Boo Kong Temple in Jalan Raja Uda from 7pm to 11.30pm.

The following week's parade in George Town, with a total of 45 teams, will start from Padang Brown to Lebuh Light from 7pm to 11pm, with a fireworks display at the end.

"The Chingay Festival has become a cherished tradition in our state, embodying the rich tapestry of our multicultural heritage.

"It transcends boundaries, bringing together people from all walks of life to revel in the vibrant colors, rhythmic beats and sheer energy.

"As we gear up for Chingay Festival 2023, we are reminded of the resilience and unity that define the spirit of Penangites," he told a press conference in Komtar on Thursday (Dec 21).

This year's festival line-up includes interactive exhibitions and other cultural performances in addition to the parade.

"From the intricately crafted floats to the electrifying lion and dragon dances, every element has been curated to provide an unforgettable experience for (the audience)," Wong added.

The name "Chingay" is derived from the Mandarin term for "the art of costume" and "masquerade" in Hokkien.

It was reported that the Chinese in Penang first performed Chingay in 1919 in celebration of the birthday of the Goddess of Mercy organised by market traders and other Chinese communities in the city.

They carried the idol of the goddess and 12m (40ft) flags around George Town to eliminate the disease plaguing the area then.

The second procession was held in 1926 in celebration of the birthday of the God of Prosperity, and the third in 1957 to celebrate the centenary of the City Council of George Town.

However, as the years went by, the procession transformed from its original purpose to the promotion of tourism, and it was recognised as an intangible cultural heritage by the National Heritage Department in 2012.