PENANG is set to witness a series of Chap Goh Meh celebrations across Penang Island and Seberang Perai next week.
Marking the end of the Chinese New Year festivities on Feb 12, the state will host various cultural events to commemorate the occasion.
Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik told Buletin Mutiara that his constituency will hold a Chap Goh Meh celebration on Feb 12, from 6pm to 10.30pm.
“There will be traditional drum performances, a lantern parade from Jeti Bagan Bukit Tambun to SJK (C) Keng Koon, and other cultural activities.
“The lantern parade, covering a 1.5km route, is expected to draw significant interest from the local community,” he said, estimating that around 2,000 people will take part in the event.
Goh added that prizes would be awarded to participants in the best traditional costumes.
“We hope more people will join in to enhance the festive atmosphere,” he said.
Similarly, the highly anticipated state-level Chap Goh Meh celebration will take place at the Esplanade on Feb 14.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai explained that the event was postponed to avoid traffic congestion in the city, as the Thaipusam celebrations will be held on Feb 11.
The Esplanade event will feature a host of exciting activities, including the traditional orange-throwing ritual, a lion dance performance, a Baba Nyonya traditional dance showcase, and a fireworks display.
Over on the mainland, the Tow Boo Kong Temple in Butterworth will also host a Chap Goh Meh celebration on Feb 12, from 7.30pm to 11.30pm.
Story by Edmund Lee