VISITORS to the Armenian Park in George Town this evening enjoyed witnessing the lighting-up ceremony held in conjunction with the Penang Chinese New Year Celebration (Miao Hui).
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who attended the ceremony, said the Miao Hui celebration is a cultural brand of Penang.
The Miao Hui celebration is set to take place on Jan 28 from 4pm to 11pm at various places in the heritage zone, starting from the Esplanade to Khoo Kongsi.
It is jointly organised by Penang Chinese Clan Council and Penang Cultural Inheritors Society, with the support of the Penang government.
“Apart from promoting culture, the celebration will also help to attract tourists to Penang as well as to appreciate the CNY.
“The state government promises that it will continue to support non-governmental organisations to hold significant cultural events, such as the Miao Hui,” Chow said during his speech at the event.
Alongside with the lanterns, a structure of this year’s Chinese zodiac sign, ‘Rabbit’ was also lighted up.
Apart from that, Chow also encouraged tourists visiting Penang to also visit Penang’s heritage area to explore its cultural treasures.
It is learned that the Miao Hui celebration is back to its physical form after two years of virtual celebrations..
Also present at the ceremony were state executive councillor Soon Lip Chee, Chinese consul-general to Penang Zhou Youbin, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim and Penang Chinese Clan Association Council chairman Leong Keng Fei and other dignitaries.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Alissala Thian