Penang to push for UNESCO listing for Chingay Festival

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PENANG is making efforts to have its traditional festival, the Penang Chingay, listed as UNESCO’s intangible heritage, says state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai.

 

Wong said he would discuss with the Department of National Heritage in January to further explore the application for UNESCO recognition for Penang Chingay.

 

“We might also propose a joint listing with Johor, to designate the Chingay Festival as an intangible heritage, as joint listings are a norm in UNESCO.

 

“For instance, George Town and Melaka were jointly listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites,” he said during a press conference at Komtar today.

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At the press conference, Wong announced that this month, Pesta Chingay 2023 is set to take place in Penang on both the island and mainland.

 

The festivities will kick off with Butterworth’s Pesta Chingay on Dec 23, from Bagan Luar (Seberang Perai City Council field) to Butterworth Tow Boo Kong from 7pm to 11.30pm.

 

The Chingay celebration on Penang Island is set for Dec 30, starting from Padang Brown to Light Street.

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“The event is scheduled to begin at 7pm and wrap up at 11pm with a spectacular fireworks display.

 

“At both events, visitors can enjoy multicultural dance performances, including traditional Malay and Indian dances,” Wong added.

 

It is learned that a total of 45 parade teams will participate in Penang Island’s Pesta Chingay.

 

Additionally, visitors can anticipate a variety of shows and programs, including stilt walking, a unicycle show, and the Squabbling Couple performance.

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Story by Tanushalini Moroter

Pix by Law Suun Ting