THE heritage enclave at the Esplanade came alive with music and songs filling the air and streets adorned with colourful bright lanterns.
Thousands of visitors thronged the streets to enjoy the colourful festive atmosphere.
The event, ‘Penang Celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival 2019’, began with a powerful traditional performance by Euphoria Penang.
State Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage (PETACH) Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said Penang has always been a cultural hub, known for its rich culture and diversity.
“It is also the source of inspiration behind our ‘Experience Penang Year 2020: The Diversity of Asia’, which was launched on June 2 this year.
“We aim at making Penang a place where both locals and visitors can experience the best of Asia, all under one roof in Penang,” he said in his speech today.
Yeoh said that Penang works closely with the Federal Government to promote itself as a must-visit destination.
“We position the state competitively in the global market,” he said.
The event was organised by PETACH, in collaboration with the Clan Associations Youth Committee.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow congratulated PETACH and the Clan Associations Youth Committee for successfully organising the event.
“Such festivals enable Penangites of different faiths to come together to celebrate multiculturalism,” Chow said.
Also present were Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh and Batu Lancang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong.
Chow, the state representatives and other VIPs also took part in a lantern parade after the opening ceremony.
Led by two red ‘lions’, Chow and the participants paraded Jalan Padang Kota Lama and Light Street while carrying their colourful lanterns.
Meanwhile, other visitors did not miss the chance to take photos of the giant replicas of the moon and a white rabbit at the centre of the field.
The magnificent structures symbolise the Moon Rabbit, which is said to resemble a rabbit standing over a mortar and pestle.
According to the Moon Rabbit folklore, the rabbit is supposedly pounding the elixir of life for the Moon Goddess Chang Er.
Greeting visitors in front of the City Hall were two ‘Moon Goddesses’ and a number of cute bunny figures.
Balancing on stilts, the two ‘Goddesses’ happily obliged when asked to pose for photos.
The event was also a food galore for foodies; where well-sought after vendors set up stalls offering hawker fare and homemade products.
There were also games, arts and literature for visitors to enjoy.
Among the activities were Chinese calligraphy, playing the congkak, Go (Chinese chess) competition, the marble game, and creating origami.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi and Christopher Tan
Video by Alvie Cheng
