GEORGE TOWN: The sight of ancient Chinese mythological and legendary figures at the Penang Mid-Autumn Festival 2026 added colour to the festivities.
Many visitors showed up in elaborate costumes, taking on the personas of legendary figures as they paraded around the field and surrounding streets near the Esplanade, clutching colourful lanterns.
Set against a backdrop of traditional music, the celebrations offered a glimpse into China’s ancient past, which has endured through generations.
Among those who got into character were friends Jenn Tan, 43, and Yee Ling, 30.
Tan, a music teacher, came dressed as Yang Guifei, an eighth-century imperial consort during the Tang Dynasty who was regarded as one of the four beauties of ancient China.
Her flowing robe, purchased online, towering hair bun and handmade traditional quadrangular lantern drew attention.
“It wasn’t easy to find such costumes and materials when I was a child in the 1990s. So I had to improvise using my mother’s blankets and curtains to fashion a costume.
“Nowadays, you can source anything from e-commerce sites,” Tan said when met during the event on Saturday night.
Yee, a human resource administrative assistant, came as the goddess Nuwa, the mythological primordial creator who was said to have created humanity and helped restore order to the world.
“I had this traditional hanfu worn by the Han Chinese in my wardrobe and felt it suited the character. It’s fun to dress up and relive the beauty of Chinese culture,” she added.
Tan and Yee were among the participants in a cosplay competition.
Several other participants were dressed as Chang Er, the immortal moon goddess central to Mid-Autumn traditions.
Adding to the festivities at the main stage were performances including Sichuan face-changing, Chinese martial arts, orchestral music, drumming, diabolo and contemporary dance.
A surname zone was also set up where visitors could discover their clans’ roots, while traditional games and hands-on workshops were held at the Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter-themed zones.
State tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai noted that more youths have been participating in the annual event since its inauguration in 2015.
“For traditions to continue, the younger generation must be allowed to immerse themselves and ultimately take up the mantle. Penang was built on the harmonious coexistence of different ethnic groups.
“Celebrations like this are not only platforms to showcase and pass on our culture, but also allow our people to get to know each other better,” Wong added.
The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on Sept 25 this year, the 15th day of the eighth lunar month.
Traditionally associated with harvest celebrations and worship of the moon, it is now widely marked by family gatherings, lanterns and mooncakes.
