THE George Town Heritage Celebrations this year were a resounding success.
Organised by the George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI), the three-day celebration that was held on July 2, 3 and 7 drew thousands of people from all walks of life.
Various exciting programmes were featured, including multicultural performances, interactive cultural workshops and video documentations.
GTWHI general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee thanked the visitors and various art and heritage organisations which participated, saying that without their support, the celebration would not have been successful.
“As we know, the George Town Heritage Celebrations just made a comeback this year after a two-year-long hiatus due to the Covid-19 situation.
“And we are very happy and thankful to the public for their tremendous and overwhelming support to make this celebration a success.
“We received more than 2,000 visitors per day during the three-day celebration.
“The people showed their love for Penang’s rich and diverse cultural elements that were presented through this celebration,” Dr Ang told a press conference during a walkabout at the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site in George Town enclave today to celebrate its listing given 14 years ago.
Joining Dr Ang in the walkabout were Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Wong Yuee Harng.
Chow said the George Town Heritage Celebrations were a very good platform for the public to experience various cultures and arts of the local community at the heritage site enclave.
“At the same time, we can also promote understanding among one another and appreciate each other’s cultures, traditions, arts, languages and dialects.
“Ultimately, we want to showcase the harmonious society in our beloved state.
“And I think it is a wonderful way to celebrate it this year, to mark the 14th anniversary of George Town as a Unesco World Heritage Site,” he said.
Earlier, Chow and his entourage also visited several booths located at the Armenian Park to participate in various cultural workshops such as Chinese calligraphy, wayang kulit, henna drawings and others.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud