Impressive feats: Performers balancing giant flagpoles on either their foreheads or chins during the Chingay Festival parade in George Town, Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: The sudden rain that came in the evening did not dampen the enthusiasm at this year’s Penang’s Chingay Festival, in which 45 teams turned up for the parade to showcase the state’s rich multicultural heritage.
Members from various associations and groups gathered at 7pm yesterday next to Padang Brown in Jalan Johor before forming a long line as they paraded through the city.
They passed by spectators who braved the rain, most holding up umbrellas, through Jalan Penang, Jalan Burma, Jalan Transfer, Jalan Sri Bahari, Jalan Penang, Jalan Chulia, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling before ending at Lebuh Light, about four hours later.
Throughout the parade, the Chingay teams performed stunts such as balancing giant flagpoles on their forehead and chin, while others complemented the celebration with dragon and lion dances, stilt walking, as well as performances by school bands.
At about 11pm, the event culminated with a fireworks show at Lebuh Light, in front of the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce building.
Among those present were Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai.
The term “Chingay” is derived from the Mandarin term for “the art of costume” and “masquerade” in Hokkien.
The Chinese in Penang were said to have begun performing the Chingay in 1919 to mark the birthday of the Goddess of Mercy.
Over the years, the procession has evolved. Among others, it is now a way to promote tourism and was recognised as an intangible cultural heritage by the National Heritage Department in 2012.
