GEORGE TOWN: For Chinese New Year, the streets within the heritage enclave here have been lit up with the festive glow of bright red lanterns.
Strung across poles and along buildings of 12 streets, about 2,000 lanterns or various sizes have been installed by organisers of the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration, also known as Miao Hui.
Among them, about 300 lanterns are installed in Armenian Park where a stage and decorations have been erected for the event.
The lanterns were lit up during a ceremony by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying, consul general of China in Penang Zhou Youbin and Penang Chinese Clan Council chairman Ho Swee Choon at the park at 8pm on Wednesday (Jan 1).
The lanterns would be turned from 7pm to midnight daily until Chinese New Year is over.
This year’s annual Miao Hui event themed ‘Penang Lang, Let’s Celebrate!’ is expected to attract around 200,000 attendees.
The event aims to showcase the rich heritage of Penang’s Chinese community through traditional performances, including lion dances, Chinese opera, and cultural demonstrations such as calligraphy, paper-cutting, and tea ceremonies.
Visitors can also enjoy vibrant street parades, traditional food stalls, and interactive activities that celebrate the diversity and history of Chinese traditions.
