GEORGE TOWN: From women in stunning kebaya to dances about mythical one-horn beasts, the Chingay parade dazzled spectators with its vibrant performances which reflected the region’s cultural heritage.
The 42 participating teams featured, among others, a fleet of trishaws carrying women in kebaya to showcase the recognition of the costume in Unesco’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
This year’s parade also showed several additions to the traditional southern lion dance.
These included the northern lion dance, the pixiu dance that is based on historical winged animals, the qilin dance about one-horned beasts and the five prosperity lions dance.
Returning crowd favourites such as the Penang Grocers Association, which thrilled audiences with their unicycle act and the comedic “Squabbling Couple” routine, also known as the “Tomb Brother and Tomb Sister.”
Other performances included the traditional giant flagpole balancing act which required acrobatic performers to skillfully balance and toss the flags attached to poles made of bamboo measuring seven to 10m in length.
The event also featured dragon and lion dances, stilt walking, and school band performances.
Australian photographer Emily Carter, 32, said she had always been fascinated by cultural festivals.
“I’ve heard the Chingay parade here is spectacular. The incredible balance and strength of the performers with those giant flags were truly mesmerising,” she said.
Japanese engineer Hiroshi Tanaka, 45, said he put up with the traffic jam just to witness the parade.
“The energy of the crowd and the performances was unlike anything I’ve seen before.
“I was impressed with the coordination of the performers, especially with the giant flagpoles,” he said.
Year Four pupil Amir Faisal, who came with his parents, saw the Chingay flags for the first time,.
“They were my favourite. When the performers spun the flags really high, it looked like magic,” he said.
Among those present were Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai.
In his speech, Wong said the event was the cornerstone of Penang’s cultural and artistic landscape.
“We are honoured to host representatives from the Singapore National Heritage Board, the Singapore People’s Association, Johor’s Chingay Committee, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and Unesco agencies.
“In February next year, we will further strengthen these cultural bonds by participating in Singapore’s Chingay parade.”
The name “Chingay” is derived from the Mandarin term for “the art of costume” and “masquerade” in Hokkien.
