THE heavy rain prior to the annual Penang Chingay, Lion and Dragon Dance Parade did not dampen the exciting event.
In fact, there were scores of people lining up the streets along Light Street to catch the thrilling stunts by Chingay performers.
The performers made their acts seem easy, balancing tall flag poles with their foreheads and mouths.
The parade also featured colourful floats as well as lion and dragon dances.
Spectators were in awe of three specially-decorated Segway electric scooters at the event.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was present, praised the Penang Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage (Petach) office for its effort in organising the annual event.
He said that the event was unique as it showcased the identity of Penang, which attracted 10,000 people – both locals and abroad.
“Chingay is an exciting and challenging performance. It is no doubt that Chingay is one of the important tourism products in the state.
“The state government hopes that this tradition will be continued in more years to come,” he said in his speech after attending the event in Light Street today.
There were 36 teams that took part in the parade.
State Tourism Development, Heritage, Culture and Arts Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said the parade was synonym with Penang.
“It is very special,” he said.
The Chingay parade passed by Jalan Datuk Keramat, Penang Road, Chulia Street and Transfer Road before ending at the Esplanade.
The parade ended with a special lion dance on stilts.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Chan Kok Kuan