Taking it all in: Over 1,000 people took part in the annual George Town Heritage Day City Walk. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: The 16th edition of the George Town Heritage Celebrations here proved to be an eye-opening event for visitors.
With 16 workshops highlighting age-old traditions, art forms, handicrafts and cultural practices of local communities, there was much to learn and discover.
Most visitors went from station to station, learning the intricacies of everything from Teochew opera, dough figurine making, Chinese paper cutting to Nyonya beadwork.
Equally engrossing were batik painting, spice pounding, bamboo lantern making and tile painting activities, which also allowed participants to take home nifty souvenirs.
The event yesterday, held around Armenian Street and Acheh Street in the city’s heritage enclave, also had six dance stations.
Start them young: Ong (centre) carrying his baby daugther at the Meng Eng Soo Open Day 2024 in George Town. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
Crowds joined in the fun, dancing or clapping along to the beat of Loy Krathong, Japanese dance, Dikir Barat, Boria, Dhol and Bhangra, as well as Telugu Biddalu dances.
All the activities were conducted by members of local cultural organisations, ensuring an authentic experience for everyone.
The event was organised by George Town World Heritage Incorporation annually to mark the city’s inscription as a Unesco World Heritage site in 2008.
Scores of people also thronged the nearby Jalan Pintal Tali for the Meng Eng Soo Open Day 2024, where there were a plethora of traditional crafts and local delicacies to enjoy.
While it is a Chinese ancestral temple, the activities were certainly multi-cultural – with traditional Indian and Malay folk dances, music and martial arts among the many performances.
Among those enjoying the diverse experience was IT project manager Ong Zuxian, 34, who had one-year-old daughter Su Qi in tow.
“Many of these traditions are fast disappearing, so it’s good to be able to experience everything together at an event like this.
“My daughter might be too young to fully understand what she sees but I want to expose her to culture from an early age,” the Penangite said.
More than 1,000 participants also took part in the annual George Town Heritage Day City Walk this year to explore the city’s rich heritage in conjunction with the celebrations.
The 5km walk, which started at Lebuh Pantai, took participants through a list of heritage attractions such as the Whiteaways Arcade, Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower, St George’s Church, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Thean Hou Temple (Hainan Association and Temple), Goddess of Mercy Temple, Arulmigu Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, Kapitan Keling Mosque, Seh Tek Tong Cheah Kongsi and Beach Street Central Fire Station.
Among those who took part was wheelchair-bound engineer Afiq Azman, 30.
“I have been paralysed for four years but it will not stop me from joining this event.
“Having joined its previous editions, the walk gives me an opportunity to roam the streets and explore the heritage of George Town,” said Afiq, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
To liven up the atmosphere, Robiah Mohd Nor, 56, and Zarina Nuda, 58, came dressed in traditional baju kurung Kedah.
“We thought it would add some colour and fun to the walk and promote our culture,” Robiah said.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow who flagged off the walk, said the event was a momentous occasion, allowing the people to reflect on the rich history, cultural diversity and architectural beauty of George Town.
“As we walk through the streets of this historic city, you will notice that we are surrounded by the echoes of the past, the vibrant energy of the present and the promises of the future.
“George Town is not just a place. It is a living, breathing testament to the harmonious coexistence of various cultures, traditions and communities, best appreciated through walks,” he said.
Chow added that such an event offered a common space for families to be together and discover the various sights, smells and sounds of the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site, further fostering a sense of community.
“I hope this will also foster work-life balance among Penang’s working families since Malaysia was recently regarded as the second worst country for work-life balance among 60 nations,” he said.
