GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Chingay Parade has returned with 42 teams showcasing vibrant performances and celebrating the region's rich cultural heritage.
Trishaws carrying participants in beautiful Kebaya outfits led the parade, highlighting the garment’s recognition on Unesco’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
The parade began at 6pm from Padang Brown on Jalan Datuk Keramat and travelled through iconic streets, ending at the Esplanade near Penang Town Hall.
This year, unique dances were featured alongside the traditional Southern Lion Dance, including the Northern Lion Dance and the Pixiu Dance.
The Qilin Dance, inspired by one-horned beasts, and the Five Prosperity Lions dance were also included.
Spectators were amazed by breathtaking acts, such as the giant flagpole balancing performance.
Acrobats skilfully balanced and tossed flags attached to bamboo poles 7 to 10 metres long.
Other performances included dragon and lion dances, stilt walkers, and lively school band performances.
Among those present were Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai.
The name “Chingay” comes from the Mandarin term for “the art of costume” and “masquerade” in Hokkien.
The Chinese in Penang first performed Chingay in 1919, celebrating the Goddess of Mercy's birthday.
It was organised by market traders and other Chinese communities in the city.
They carried the goddess's idol and giant flags around George Town to eliminate a disease plaguing the area then.
The procession has since evolved to promote tourism and was recognised as an intangible cultural heritage by the National Heritage Department in 2012.
