THE Armenian Park in George Town turned into a fairyland when hundreds of lanterns were lighted up in view of the coming Chinese New Year celebration tonight.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, together with some invited guests and Penang Chinese Clan Council (PCCC) members, who are the organisers of the 2020 Penang Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration or Miao Hui, participated in the lantern lighting ceremony.
He also joined in a short walkabout in the neighbourhood to enliven the festive spirit as the group of walkers were led by two prancing ‘lions’.
Miao Hui executive adviser Kwoh Shoo Chen said PCCC has been organising the event for 21 years since 1999.
“We want to pass down this Chinese tradition to the younger generation and we encourage them to celebrate it with gladness,” said Kwoh.
Event main planner Choo Boon Chiang said tonight’s event was a prelude to the much anticipated Miao Hui celebration at the Unesco World Heritage Site of George Town on Feb 2 from 4pm to 11pm.
It is learnt that there are currently 1,800 lanterns strung over 12 streets in the heritage area.
Chow said the Penang government encouraged and supported the society in organising meaningful cultural events.
“We want the public to care and value the significance of heritage inheritance. We hope the people will come and enjoy the festive atmosphere here,” Chow said.
At the mock cheque presentation, he thanked sponsors like E&O Berhad, TNG Digital Sdn Bhd, BSG Property, Nirvana Asia Group, Farlim Group and Parisign Media Sdn Bhd for their support.
He also urged more entrepreneurs to come forward and support the cultural activities so that the organisers could put up a better and more brilliant cultural extravaganza.
Chow said the Penang CNY celebrations have always been popular with locals and foreigners.
He singled out a foreign tourist, Argentine Juan Braun, who was among the crowd, for his presence.
“I’m very surprised that the Chief Minister mentioned me twice in his speech, saying that I have come from afar to join in the celebration,” said Braun, a 76-year-old novelist.
“I’ve seen him three times and I think he could recognise me. I have come to Penang over 10 times.
“Your cultural celebration here is incredible. You can hardly find this in Latin America. I just love to be part of the event.
“I am going to Bali tomorrow but will be back on Jan 24 for the Chinese New Year celebrations.”
Among those at the celebration were state Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi, Penang Island City Council councillors Wong Yuee Harng and Gerald Mak Mun Keong.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Law Suun Ting
