Lim (second left), Teh, Soon, Zhou (eighth left), Zawawi, Chow and Leong with sponsors’ representatives during the lighting ceremony at Armenian Park in Penang. – Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
MARK your calendars for Jan 28 as Penang’s Chinese New Year celebration (Miao Hui) is back in a physical format, after two years of virtual festivities.
Visitors will get to enjoy cultural performances, exhibitions, open houses, workshops, traditional food and a lot of activities in person once again.
These will take place from 4pm to 11pm across 15 stages, 23 clan houses and 11 roads in George Town’s heritage precinct.
The areas are Bishop Street, Church Street, China Street, Penang Street, King Street, Chulia Street, Ah Quee Street, Pitt Lane, Soo Hong Lane, Armenian Street and Cannon Street.
Over 200,000 visitors are expected for the event, which is organised by the Penang Chinese Clan Council with the Penang Cultural Inheritors Society as its planning and coordinating partner.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow urged tourists and locals alike to look beyond the state’s trending check-in spots, food establishments or shopping centres.
Instead, he encouraged them to take the opportunity to explore its cultural gems.
“Delve deeper into our ancestral halls, many of which have existed for over a century. You’ll find dedicated volunteers ready to share interesting stories.
Lion dance performers in George Town’s heritage area, which has been illuminated with lanterns.
“The stages will be rich with musical, dance and cultural showcases. So immerse yourselves in the fascinating stories of Penang and its people,” he said.
He was speaking at a lighting ceremony held in Armenian Park to mark the countdown to Miao Hui 2023, which coincides with the seventh day of the lunar new year.
Joining Chow were People’s Republic of China in Penang consul-general Zhou Youbin, Penang youth and sports committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim, Penang Chinese Clan Council chairman Leong Keng Fei and representatives of sponsors, such as E&O Bhd senior general manager Datuk Zawawi Yusop.
As they placed their hands on an orb, hundreds of lanterns lit up and brightened the heritage area.
At the park, several “plum blossom trees”, a rabbit statue and pavilion decked in pink and gold flowers also attracted many visitors eager to take photos.
Leong said the Miao Hui had been celebrated for 24 years since 1999 – which also happened to be the Year of the Rabbit.
He said the festival’s return to the physical form showed that the clan council’s desire to promote and preserve Chinese culture had not been dulled by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Penang’s history is a colourful one. For the Chinese community, our ancestors who migrated here were devoted to building a life in this beautiful land.
“The green pastures they cultivated were what allowed the dreams of subsequent generations to bloom. Now, it is up to us to carry the torch and pass it on to the next.
“Inheriting culture is the most important mission of Miao Hui. The event is not a religious activity of worship, but rather, a way to reconnect our children with their roots.
“It also fosters mutual respect and understanding with different ethnic groups while giving foreign visitors insight into Penang citizens’ unique culture and values,” Leong added.
For event’s details, visit www.pgcny.my or www.facebook.com/pgcny
