Dance, food and shared traditions bring Penang’s communities together
GEORGE TOWN: Ask a “Penanglang” (Penangite in Hokkien) and they will tell you the state is a melting pot of cultures.
For professional dancer Siti Izma Mohd Ludin, 42, that meant spending the past 12 years dancing to different music and wearing various cultural costumes.
Clad in a hanfu – traditional historical clothing worn by the Han Chinese – she said being a Penangite is about embracing different cultures.
“I have learnt local cultural dance forms as part of my work and had the privilege of learning about their significance and traditional attire.
“To me, being a Penangite means celebrating every culture, enjoying the food and connecting through local cuisine and festivities,” she said at the Penanglang Community Day 2026 at Sunshine Central Penang yesterday.
The event continues today.
Siti Izma even owns cheongsam and Indian traditional attire so she could dress accordingly for functions and celebrations.
Dance student Nur Fathia Dzulhijjah Abdul Azim, nine, said learning traditional dances over the past five years had shown her how much cultures share in common.
“I learnt about Baba Nyonya culture and costumes through zapin, joget and inang dances. There are similar moves and different ones too and it’s fun,” she said.
At the dragon and lion dance booth, businesswoman R. Yamunnai, 40, tried out musical instruments with her children.
“I want them to learn lion dance and perhaps take part one day. Learning the drums, cymbals and gong would be a great experience,” she said.
She said she has always encouraged her children to learn about other cultures.
“In Penang, there are many celebrations and events that give us opportunities to experience something new,” she added.
The event organised by the Penang Walkabouts Association featured performances and booths showcasing Penang’s heritage.
Its president, Robert Teh, said this was the fifth year the two-day event had been held.
“We wanted to preserve and showcase our cultural heritage. Although the focus is on Penang culture, we included Thai and Japanese elements this year because they are part of our community too.
“Our emphasis is on arts, culture and locally made products, including activities such as line dancing, which many Penangites enjoy,” he said.
