THE Seberang Perai Chingay Parade 2024 came alive with vibrant energy last night as 39 troupes dazzled the crowd, performing spectacular displays of skill and artistry.
From Dataran Pemuda Merdeka Butterworth to the Tow Boo Kong Temple in Butterworth, many spectators along the 4.7km route were treated to a stunning cultural showcase.
Another Chingay parade will be held on Penang Island from Datuk Keramat field to the Esplanade on Dec 28, starting from 6pm to 11pm.
Balancing giant flags with their foreheads, shoulders, mouths or behind the necks amid unpredictable wind conditions was not an easy task, but the performers rose to the challenge with remarkable skill and bravery.
Other performances such as lion dances and dragon dances captivated the crowd. Participants from a kompang group, a Silambam team, marching bands from Chung Ling Butterworth Wind Orchestra, SMK Bagan Jaya Wind Orchestra, and Shen Jai High School, Perak, and Christmas carol choirs underscored Penang’s richness in cultural diversity.
Even four young girls, known as Super Girls, wowed the crowd with their energetic dances.
The parade also featured a float that carried three large ‘snakes’ in white, green and yellow, accompanied by a scholarly man in traditional Chinese attire and several maidens. This float incorporated elements inspired by a Chinese legend, The Legend of the White Snake, which centres on a romance between a man named Xu Xian and a female snake spirit, named Bai Suzhen. This addition was particularly timely as 2025 will mark the Chinese Year of the Snake.
Among the spectators at the start of the parade was 80-year-old Fauziah Abu Bakar, accompanied by her three daughters – Farina Zainul Ariffin, Fariza and Fadzrina – and her two grandchildren – Putri Rifdha and Hyder Rahman.
“I love to watch this Chingay procession and other cultural events. I like how the different races in our country celebrate together Christmas, New Year and other festivals. We are like a family and are very cooperative,” said Fauziah, who is asthmatic and attended the event in a wheelchair. She was especially proud to see her granddaughter Putri Rifha performing dances with the Super Girls.
Daughter Fariza said: “We bring our mother out to let her enjoy the occasion. This will also keep her from being bored.”
Bagan MP and former Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, pleased that the parade was held in the Bagan parliamentary constituency, highlighted the area’s growing potential as a tourist destination.
“The establishment of Crown Plaza, the first international hotel in Bagan, speaks to the area’s potential.
“For a place to be a successful destination, you must have the 3Ps – the right product, the right programme and the right people. Bagan has all the criteria.
“We not only have the Chingay parade here as a tourist draw but also a replica of the old Penang ferry, art walk and tanglung procession. The old iconic Penang ferry is a symbol of Bagan. We will support holding a bigger Chingay procession next year,” Lim said in his speech.
State executive councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy Wong Hon Wai lauded the parade as a celebration of Malaysia’s cultural heritage.
“The Seberang Perai Chingay Parade encapsulates the diversity of Malaysia’s cultural heritage, presenting it in a spirit of unity and celebration. I hope the parade inspires everyone here with the beauty of Penang’s cultural harmony and our commitment to preserving and innovating our heritage,” Wong said.
Wong noted that the Chingay Parade has evolved from traditional daytime processions into dazzling night-time spectacles.
The integration of LED lighting and modern technology has transformed the parade into a visual masterpiece, blending vibrant lights and dynamic performances.
“This evolution has breathed new life into the century-old cultural heritage, ensuring its relevance in a modern context while enriching Penang’s cultural landscape,” he said.
Lay Hock Peng, the AJK chairman and special coordinating officer to the Chief Minister, expressed gratitude to all participants, associations and agencies for their collaboration in making the event a success.
He said the Chingay Parade, which was originally confined to Penang island, has expanded to Seberang Perai since 2008.
Bagan Dalam assemblyman Kumaran Krishnan echoed this sentiment, expressing pride in Bagan hosting the Seberang Perai Chingay Parade.
“This is not just a Chingay event; it encompasses different cultural elements. Bagan is a fitting venue for various programmes celebrating cultural and religious diversity. The state government and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) have always taken care of this place,” he said.
Among the notable attendees were Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Syn Tze and Bagan Jermal assemblyman Chee Yeeh Kean.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi and courtesy of PETACE
