Joy to the world: Attendees alongside a float made by the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Penang during the state Christmas celebration at St George’s Church. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Penang’s Christmas Parade made a triumphant return after a 25-year hiatus, and not even the weather could dampen the spirits of those attending.
A heavy downpour just as the procession began sent many scrambling for umbrellas and raincoats, but they carried on with unwavering spirit.
Starting from St George’s Church, they marched down Farquhar Street, onto Penang Road, Chulia Street and finally Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling to complete the 2km route.
The 10 floats, created by various churches throughout the state, were adorned with Christmas trees, Santa Clauses, reindeer, nativity scenes, wreaths and festive greetings.
Parishioners walked alongside under umbrellas, their momentum kept up by a marching band, turning a damp evening into a heartwarming display of resilience and holiday joy.
The parade was among the highlights of the 2025 Penang State Christmas Celebration held on the grounds of St George’s – the oldest Anglican church in South-East Asia – on Saturday.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this year’s event, themed “United: Faith, Hope and Love”, was not only a religious celebration but also a symbol of solidarity.
“It proves that in a progressive Penang, diversity is not something to be debated but celebrated as a precious gift.
“In reviving a cherished tradition, the parade shows how our multi-racial community always chooses unity as the way forward.”
Event attendees who could not follow the procession took shelter under large canopies and browsed the offerings of the Christmas market and food trucks, which featured over 50 vendors offering a myriad of international delicacies, artisanal crafts, festive gifts, souvenirs and clothing.
The show continued at the main stage, with various local and foreign church and youth groups putting on energetic dances and carolling routines.
Chow was later joined by Deputy Finance Minister and Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying, state non-Islamic religious affairs committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, event organising chairman Arokiadass Anthonysamy and Christian leaders in handing over contributions to several organisations.
The state presented RM150,000 to the Christian Federation of Malaysia (Penang). In turn, the federation handed over RM3,000 each to the Pusat Kanak-Kanak Istimewa Pulau Pinang, Kawan, House of Hope, Asia Community Service, Persatuan Syukur Penyayang Pulau Pinang and Persatuan Kebajikan Haemodialisis St Anne Bukit Mertajam.
Hui Ying’s parliamentary constituency chipped in with a further RM2,000 to each of the six beneficiaries.
Later at night, the church’s large mahogany tree – believed to have been planted in the mid-1880s – was lit up with string lights and stars.
