Having a ball: Dancers from 5678 Dance Studio, (clockwise from front) Kelley Tan, Joane Oon, Tan Zu Yee and Kelsy Tan striking a pose at the lighting-up ceremony for the Tanjong Lantern Festival 2024 at Armenian Park in George Town, Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
Special event on Sunday to feature activities including lantern painting, mooncake making and wood art workshops
VISITORS to Armenian Park in George Town, Penang’s heritage enclave, will find themselves spellbound by the dazzling lights and kaleidoscopic colours, as the park has once again been magically transformed into a mini wonderland to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival.
Over 200 lanterns of various shapes and sizes adorn the trees in the pocket garden while a giant ball, representing the moon, and a two-tiered pagoda serve as the main focal points.
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The setup predominantly in pink, red and lilac hues complements the floral arrangements, which include faux wisterias, roses, plum blossoms and orchids.
Local models Tang (right) and Loh taking photos in their hanfu with the Mid-Autumn decorations at Armenian Park.— Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/ The Star
The splendid scene, organised by Kampung Kolam Village Community Management Council (MPKK) for the third year running, is part of the Tanjong Lantern Festival 2024 and will be illuminated every evening.
This enchanting setup is perfect for photo opportunities, and both locals and tourists have already started capturing mo- ments since its launch on Sept 3.
Local models Philip Tang, 25, and Joeann Loh, 26, attended the event dressed in hanfu, a traditional style of clothing worn by the Han Chinese.
Visitors walking past the main archway of the Mid-Autumn Festival decorations.
Loh, who often participates in photoshoots with hanfu, noted, “There are many types of hanfu for different weather and occasions.
“We chose those with thinner materials so it’s rather comfortable to wear and not hot at all.
“The decorations are beautiful and really capture the essence of the season.”
Tang said, “It allows me to embrace my heritage. It’s good that more people nowadays are keen to try them on.”
The pagoda-like gazebo and giant moon provide the perfect backdrop for photo ops at Armenian Park.
Contractor SH Chuah, 34, stumbled upon the event after dining at a cafe nearby.
“I didn’t know they were lighting it up today; I will return with my wife and kids on another day.
“We took photos here in previous years too. It’ll be nice to look back someday and see the different themes and kids growing up with each passing year,” said Chuah.
Cultural engagement
Among the crowd-pleasers were dancers from 5678 Dance Studio, including sisters Kelsy, 16, and Kelley Tan, 19.
Kelsy expressed her enjoyment of cultural numbers, saying, “There are a lot of elements about our heritage that we can learn about and explore.”
Dancers from 5678 Dance Studio performing a traditional number during the lighting-up ceremony.
Kelley elaborated, “Every dance has a different meaning or symbolism. It’s good that we can share our culture and ensure its continuation.”
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow in his speech highlighted the cultural significance of the annual display at Armenian Park.
“Such celebrations not only keep our traditions alive but also foster a strong cultural identity and promote mutual respect between our communities. So bring your families here to enjoy the atmosphere, take photos and create beautiful memories,” he said.
The Mid-Autumn Festival showcase at Armenian Park attracts many locals and tourists.
Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk Rajendran Anthony, Northeast District and Land Office chief Mohd Hizer Omar, and acting Consul-General of China in Penang, Ding Qiao, were also present at the launch.
Family-friendly activities
This Sunday, a special Mid-Autumn Festival event will be held from 5pm to 10pm, featuring family-friendly activities.
Around 25 stalls will be spread across the park and the neighbouring Youth Centre, offering face, lantern and festive painting, riddle-solving, mooncake making, paper cutting, fan lacquering, henna, archery, 3D doodle, tea art and wood art workshops.
Children can try on hanfu costumes and take pictures at a photo booth before joining a lantern parade around the heritage area. Keep an eye out for zumba and lion dance performances.
(Seated from left) Lim and Chow with other VIPs posing for a photo in the pagoda-like gazebo during the lighting-up ceremony for the Tanjong Lantern Festival 2024 at Armenian Park in George Town, Penang.
The opening ceremony, scheduled for 7pm, will feature a special Drums of the Moon display, a Teochew performance titled Moonlit Tides, a Hanfu Fashion Show, a luminous dragon dance, and traditional dances titled Full Moon Reunion and Moonlight Moves.
The programme will also include wushu, diabolo and orchestra sessions. The park’s decorations will remain up until the end of the month.
Wong encouraged families to participate, saying, “Bring your children and elderly parents to join us for this meaningful occasion. It’s not only a celebration for the surrounding community but for everyone in Penang.”
Historical significance
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Mooncake or Lantern Festival, is observed on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunar calendar, corresponding with mid-September to early October on the Gregorian calendar.
This year, it falls on Sept 17. The festival originated as a harvest celebration in China around 3,500 years ago and gained popularity during the Tang Dynasty.
It became a time for family reunions, with people gathering to watch the moon at its fullest. The festival is also associated with the legend of the lunar deity Chang Er who swallowed an elixir of immortality, to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands, and ascended into the sky.
She chose the moon as her residence to stay close to her husband on Earth, who then laid out offerings for her in recognition of her sacrifice.
Join the celebration at Armenian Park and be part of this rich cultural tradition.
