Chow (black suit) with organising committee members of the 2025 Penang Miao Hui event. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
ART inspired by wayang kulit will be among elements from various ethnic groups which will be featured during the 26th edition of the Penang Chinese New Year Celebration (Miao Hui) on Feb 1 next year.
The event at the George Town heritage enclave is expected to include a mascot representing the Year of the Snake named Ruyi.
Organised by Penang Chinese Clan Council in collaboration with Penang Cultural Inheritors Society, the event from 4pm to 11pm will see activities by over 40 clans, guilds and associations.
There will also be some 80 art and cultural performances.
A total of 12 streets will be closed for the celebration.
Penang Chinese Clan Council chairman Ho Swee Choon said the event was themed “Penang Lang, Let’s Celebrate” to reflect Penang’s history and culture.
“Culture is the soul of a city and Miao Hui is not merely an annual celebration but a gateway to our cultural roots.
“Penang Miao Hui differs from traditional religious activities as it focuses on promoting our rich humanity and culture, aiming to showcase our diverse history and cultural heritage through a variety of activities.
“Penang is not just for one community, but a home where all ethnicities coexist and embrace each other.
“Through this theme, we aim to showcase how our ancestors had worked tirelessly and endured hardships to leave us with the cultural heritage we cherish now,” Ho said during a press conference in Komtar.
He said volunteers had started planning for the event since April, with 20 teams assigned to plan the exhibitions for each clan house, street and stage.
“This Miao Hui will be more than just a showcase of traditional culture. It is also an interactive cultural experience.
“We hope that through these lively exhibitions, people will not only see history but also touch and feel these precious cultural treasures,” Ho added.
Event master planner Chong Jian Mei said it was hoped that the theme would encourage more Penang folk to attend and celebrate the New Year together.
“Wherever you are, come home and join us at the Penang Miao Hui to learn and appreciate the cultural heritage that has existed in Penang for over a hundred years,” she said.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was present at the press conference, said the event had been a cultural beacon in Penang since 1999.
“Each year, Penang Miao Hui presents a new theme using curated exhibitions and activities to awaken our memories of history, customs, crafts and traditional industries.
“Participants will get to explore cultural assets that are not usually accessible on normal days.
“This is an opportunity for us to take a pause in our busy modern lives and understand the roots of our culture,” he said.
Chow said the organisers were also welcoming companies and individuals interested in sponsorship.
Ahead of the celebration, the ceremony to mark the countdown to Miao Hui 2025 will be held at Armenian Park on Jan 1 at 6pm.
Chinese New Year falls on Jan 29 next year.
