THIS year’s Butterworth Miao Hui will be held as a one-day event on Feb 28 (Saturday), instead of the two-day format adopted last year, with organisers injecting greater youthful vibrancy into the celebration.
Jointly organised by the Bagan Parliamentary Service Centre and the Bagan Jermal State Assembly Service Centre at the Guan Yin Ting Dou Mu Gong Nine Emperor Gods Temple in Butterworth, the celebration is supported by the state government through the Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Office (Petace).
Co-organisers include Butterworth Guan Yin Ting Dou Mu Gong Nine Emperor Gods Temple, Han Chiang University College of Communication, JCI Butterworth and JCI George Town.
According to Bagan Jermal assemblyman Chee Yeeh Keen, Butterworth Miao Hui 2026 has been fully upgraded and is expected to attract more than 20,000 visitors, creating a livelier festive atmosphere and generating positive economic spillover for Butterworth.
“The fair will feature five major themed zones — the Stage Zone, Curated Exhibition Zone, Creative Culture Zone, Food Zone and Market Zone — offering the public a richer and more immersive cultural experience,” he said.
Chee noted that the steady expansion of the fair from three zones to four, and now five, reflects the dedication and perseverance of the organising team, as well as strong community support for Chinese New Year cultural celebrations in Butterworth.
He added that this year’s fair has specially invited popular Malaysian Chinese New Year song group 1119 (TRIPLE1NINE) as guest performers, injecting fresh and trendy elements into the festivities.
In addition, the Market Zone will feature the youth-favourite POPIPOP Market, which is expected to bring a younger, more stylish and creative market experience to the temple fair.
“In previous years, the temple fair mainly attracted middle-aged and senior visitors. With the presence of influencer-style performers 1119 and the POPIPOP Market, we are confident of drawing a much larger young crowd this year,” he said.
Apart from a wide range of exciting activities, the evening will also feature a fireworks display, symbolising farewell to the old year and the arrival of a fresh beginning.
Along Jalan Raja Uda, red lanterns will be illuminated to enhance the festive atmosphere, while underscoring cultural integration and community unity as Butterworth showcases its spirit of multicultural harmony.
Pix courtesy of Bagan Jermal State Assembly Service Centre