IT’S that time of the year again! Mark your calendars for Feb 1 (the fourth day of the Chinese Lunar calendar) next year, as the Penang Chinese New Year celebration, known as Miao Hui, is set to take place with great excitement in the heritage enclave.
With the Chinese New Year festival taking place on Jan 29 to usher in the Year of the Snake, the annual Miao Hui event is expected to draw a crowd of approximately 200,000 to enjoy the colourful and captivating event.
The theme for next year’s Miao Hui is ‘Penang Lang, Let’s Celebrate!’
At a press conference to announce the event details, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow expressed his excitement for the celebration, which is hosted by the Penang Chinese Clan Council in collaboration with the Penang Cultural Inheritors Society.
“The annual celebration has been held for the past 26 years since its inception in 1999. It has become one of the hallmark events in Penang, attracting both tourists and locals eager to experience the festivities.
“The dedication and hard work of the Penang Chinese Clan Council and the Penang Cultural Inheritors Society have ensured smooth preparations for the event.
“Miao Hui is not just a festival to celebrate Chinese New Year; it also symbolises the multicultural spirit of Penang’s community.
“Everyone, regardless of faith and religion, is welcome to join in the celebration, which will feature various cultural events, including wayang kulit,” Chow said during the press conference at Komtar today.
Chow underscored the importance of unity in celebrating the festival, noting that a harmonious society unites everyone.
“I believe this event will draw a large number of visitors to Penang,” he said while urging the organisers to ensure smooth traffic flow during the occasion.
Chow also encouraged volunteers to step forward and contribute to the success of the event.
“The organisers need significant manpower to ensure the smooth running of the festival. Those interested in helping are welcome to offer their assistance,” he added.
Penang Chinese Clan Council chairman Ho Swee Choon expressed his gratitude to the state government for its unwavering support of the annual Miao Hui.
He mentioned that each year’s Miao Hui carries a unique theme, adding to the cultural richness of the event.
“We expect strong participation from both locals and tourists,” he said.
Among those present at the press conference were Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, Chow’s political secretary Lau Keng Ee, Penang Cultural Inheritors Society chairman Kwoh Shoo Chen, and distinguished members of the Penang Chinese Clan Council and Penang Cultural Inheritors Society.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat
Video by Alissala Thian