THOUSANDS of visitors from all walks of life thronged the annual Penang Chinese New Year Celebration 2020, also known as ‘Miao Hui’ (Temple Festival), at the George Town World Heritage Site.
Many visitors had the chance to learn about the various cultures such as the Hakka, Cantonese, Hainan, Hokkien, Malay and Indian cultures at the festival.
They enjoyed the cultural performances, traditional dances and even the array of local delights.
Shutterbugs did not miss the chance to snap amazing photos of the lion dance and the nail biting chingay performances.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow was grateful that the event was held in a smooth manner despite the novel coronavirus outbreak in various countries.
He said the state had decided to proceed with the event this year.
“It has been an annual event since 1999 and I’m proud to be part of this journey.
“I express my sincere appreciation to all sponsors of this event, on behalf of the organising committee,” he said in his speech after attending the event in King Street today.
Many foreign tourists were seen mingling with the locals.
Among them were Gill Noval, an artist from Pittenweem, Scotland, and Irma Visser, a paralegal from Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
“We love George Town. We’re fortunate that we get to taste the different cultures and food at this festival.
“The festival is amazing, so rich in tradition. It’s something we will remember for a long time. It’s by sheer chance it is held during our visit here,” said Noval.
Visser chipped in: “I am impressed with the variety of performances, especially the female Tai Chi participants using swords in their dance routine.
“It’s a real joy to be here and we have good fun.”
Also present were state Tourism Development, Heritage, Culture and Arts Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, state assemblymen and the Penang Chinese Clan Council chairman Datuk Yeap Beow Chong.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Law Suun Ting