KEPALA BATAS: Thousands of visitors flocked to the Penang2030 Festival X Seberang Perai Heritage Day 2025.
Despite the sweltering heat, many families, including those with young children, turned up in high spirits to take part in the festivities held at Kampung Agong in Penaga yesterday.
Mohd Hilfy Hizir, 35, travelled from Penang Island with his wife and two children to experience the celebration for the first time.
“I have been here several times, but this is our first time joining in the celebration. It’s worth the drive,” said the private company executive.
“My children enjoyed themselves and it’s great to see culture celebrated in such a lively way.”
Another parent, 41-year-old Nurfarazila Radzi, said she did not want to miss the festival as it offered her children a valuable opportunity to experience cross-cultural traditions and get a glimpse of authentic kampung life.
“Events like this remind our children where we come from. They spend so much time with gadgets these days. It’s nice to bring them back to nature and our roots,” she said.
Her children had a good time trying out traditional games like congkak and kite-flying at the padi field.
Cassidy Jitien, 38, a civil servant, said it was his first time visiting Kampung Agong and described the experience as refreshing.
“It’s peaceful and nostalgic. You don’t get to see scenes like this in the city,” he said, referring to the padi field, wooden houses and kids running barefoot.
Cassidy, who brought along his three young daughters, said it was also a meaningful way for his family to unwind and reconnect with their cultural roots.
Originally from Sarawak, Cassidy shared that the kampung setting reminded him of his childhood days in rural Borneo.
“This kind of environment brings back memories of my grandparents’ village.
“I want my daughters to appreciate these traditions and not grow up thinking that culture only exists in books or museums,” he added.
Among the activities were traditional performances and workshops such as batik painting, silat and wayang kulit, as well as traditional games like sepak raga bulatan.
The festival also featured traditional food stalls and a handicraft market – all reflecting the diverse heritage of Seberang Perai.
The event combines the annual Penang2030 celebration with Seberang Perai Heritage Day.
It is a collaboration between the Chief Minister’s Office, Seberang Perai City Council, Penang Island City Council, Tech Dome Penang and Penang Green Council.
