THOUSANDS of people from all walks of life thronged the streets of George Town on Saturday night, soaking in the vibrant sights and sounds of the Chingay Parade 2025 — one of Penang’s most eagerly anticipated annual cultural celebrations.
The colourful procession kicked off at Padang Brown at 6pm, before weaving through the heart of the city and culminating in a grand finale at the Esplanade, drawing cheers and applause along the way.
Both local and foreign spectators lined the parade route, many turning out in droves to take advantage of the year-end festive mood and the long weekend leading into the new year. Streets were abuzz as families, tourists and culture enthusiasts gathered to witness the lively spectacle.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow was among those present to witness the memorable occasion, accompanied by state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee, Penang Chingay Association president Ong Thean Huat, Penang Wushu, Lion and Dragon Dance Association president Datuk Hng Ban Choon and other distinguished guests.
The 2025 Penang Chingay Parade was jointly organised by the Penang State Executive Office for Tourism and Creative Economy (Petace), George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI), the Penang Chingay Association, and the Penang Wushu, Lion and Dragon Dance Association.
The parade featured more than 40 contingents, presenting a dazzling array of performances including Chingay troupes, lion and dragon dance teams, unicycle performers, traditional Boria, Indian dances, Chinese fan dances and creatively designed thematic floats. Together, they showcased Penang’s rich multicultural heritage and artistic flair.
Chow expressed his gratitude to all participants, performers and spectators, and encouraged continued support for the event in anticipation of even greater success in the years ahead.
Wong said Chingay is a cultural heritage that belongs to all Malaysians.
“It exemplifies inclusivity and preservation, bearing witness to how our local culture has gained international recognition,” he said.
Ong noted that Chingay is more than just a traditional activity, describing it as a community celebration.
“Through this parade, residents of different ethnicities come together to interact and experience the charm and inclusivity of Penang’s multiculturalism,” he said.
H’ng highlighted that Chingay, lion dance and dragon dance share the same roots and have been preserved together through more than a century of history.
“This year’s parade featured a special invitation to the Singapore Traditional Wushu Alliance, who thrilled the audience with high-pole big flag routines and martial arts performances. This transnational exchange not only enriched the parade but also exemplified cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore in cultural transmission, further strengthening grassroots ties,” he said.
Dr Ang said the parade embodies the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of George Town as a Unesco World Heritage Site, particularly in terms of the continuity of its living culture and folk traditions.
She added that, for the first time, the main stage area featured an exhibition on the history and evolution of Chingay. Interactive zones were also introduced, allowing members of the public to try big flag-balancing and lion dance movements.
“We engaged the younger generation and provided them with an opportunity to participate in this intangible cultural heritage,” she said.
Adding to the festive spirit, another Chingay parade is scheduled to take place at Bagan Luar on Dec 27, with the participation of 38 teams, promising yet another night of colour, rhythm and cultural celebration.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan