A LIVELY multi-cultural dance showcase, featuring performances such as lion dance, chingay, traditional games, hands-on workshops, and food alley captivated a diverse audience at the Nibong Tebal Festival in Jalan Pasar Lama.
Many people from all walks of life thronged the festival that began yesterday (Jan 20) until 11pm today (Jan 21).
The two-day Nibong Tebal Festival is jointly organised by the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) and Jawi constituency service centre, with support from the Penang government.
It was officiated by the Penang Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye, who is also the Jawi assemblyman, and MBSP mayor Datuk Azhar Arshad.
Azhar, in his speech, said the Nibong Tebal Festival is one of MBSP’s efforts to boost the economy of the local community and contribute to the redevelopment of Nibong Tebal town.
“The Nibong Tebal Festival is the first of its kind in the south Seberang Perai district. It focuses on various community programmes, encompassing art, culture and heritage.
“The festival also features performances by local and international artists, including Yoltic Atzin Lopez from Mexico and Alexandra Azzaro from Italy. Local performances include wayang kulit, lion dance on stilts, Penang Dhol Blaster, World of Fire and many others.
“Visitors can engage in hands-on workshops, partake in traditional games, and capture memories at a Kombi Photo Booth.
“After all, we want this festival to bring an array of artistic expressions directly to the Nibong Tebal community and at the same time to lure tourists locally and abroad,” he said.
H’ng also urged the public to come to the first-ever Nibong Tebal Festival featuring a vibrant celebration of culture and art.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat