Splendour of Chingay lights up city streets

THE Penang Chingay Festival 2023 parade ended with a spectacular fireworks display illuminating the night sky, symbolising a brighter year ahead.

Kicking off from Jalan Johor next to Padang Brown during a drizzle, the parade featured 42 teams from different organisations.

The procession traversed Jalan Penang, Jalan Burma, Jalan Transfer, Jalan Sri Bahari, Jalan Penang, Jalan Chulia and Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling.

The crowds who lined the streets were captivated by the colourful lion and dragon dances while stilt walkers, unicyclists and bands provided extra entertainment.

The highlight of the parade was the daring Chingay performances.

Chingay performers balancing giant flags during the parade along Lebuh Light. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

Brightly decorated floats added to the festive atmosphere.

The two-hour parade on Dec 30 ended in Lebuh Light where more performances were held.

Among the spectators was Adrian Lim, 28, who was with relatives visiting from other states.

“I’ve known about this festival for a long time but never came to see it until now. It was amazing,” he said.

Another first-timer, Safiah Hassan, 56, from Sungai Petani in Kedah, unexpectedly stumbled upon the parade.

“My friends and I are here on a weekend getaway and were planning to return home in the evening when we came across the parade.

“We initially planned to just watch for a few minutes but we ended up following the parade all the way to the end,” said Safiah.

Among those present were Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and state tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai.

The name “Chingay” is derived from the Mandarin term for “the art of costume” or “masquerade” in Hokkien.

The Chinese in Penang were said to be the first to perform Chingay in 1919 to celebrate the birthday of the Goddess of Mercy.

Back then, they carried the idol of the goddess and 12m-tall flags around George Town.

The procession was recognised as an intangible cultural product by the National Heritage Department in 2012.