THE Penang Chingay Parade 2025, one of Penang’s most anticipated annual cultural events, is set to light up the streets of George Town, this Saturday.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai shared that the parade will kick off at Padang Brown at 6pm, featuring vibrant performances and colourful floats.
Wong said spectators can catch the parade as it passes Gama Supermarket around 6.50 pm and continues past Odeon Cinema at 7.45 pm, and culminates in a grand finale at the Esplanade around 8.45 pm.
“The parade will feature traditional performances such as the lion dance, dragon dance, and Chingay flag displays.
“It will also include a variety of artistic acts, including brass bands, Kebaya teams, and unicycle and stilt-walking performances. The traditional street act ‘Squabbling Couple’ and martial arts demonstrations will also be featured.
“Later, the parade will conclude with a themed dance titled ‘Dance to the City to Welcome World Heritage’ by Persatuan Tarian Moden Malaysia (PTMM).
“It promises an evening of music, dance, and cultural celebration for all to enjoy,” he said during a press conference held at Komtar yesterday (Dec 16).
Wong also highlighted that the event reflects Penang’s multicultural harmony, with performances including Malay Boria, Indian dances, Chinese fan dances, as well as thematic floats, collectively showcasing the state’s cultural diversity and creativity.
“This year’s parade carries added significance as Penang, Johor and Singapore are jointly nominating Chingay for inscription on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, with the nomination dossier submitted in March.
“At this important stage of the nomination process, cultural exchange among partners is crucial. In this spirit, the Singapore Traditional Wushu Federation has been invited to participate in this year’s parade,” Wong said.
According to Wong, a Cultural Experience Zone will once again be set up at the Esplanade ceremonial stage, allowing visitors to participate in hands-on activities such as lion dance, dragon dance and Chingay flag handling.
Apart from that, Wong said photo corners and educational exhibition boards will also be featured around the Esplanade, highlighting the history and development of Penang’s Chingay, community participation, intergenerational transmission, and the ongoing UNESCO nomination process.
“The exhibition will place emphasis on the ‘2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage’, to enhance public understanding of heritage protection and safeguarding efforts.
“It will also showcase the shared elements and distinctive characteristics of the Chingay traditions in Penang, Johor and Singapore, enabling visitors to better appreciate Chingay as a living cultural heritage,” he said.
Wong invited the locals and visitors alike to join the Penang Chingay Parade 2025, describing it as a celebration that brings together tradition, creativity and Penang’s multicultural identity.
Story & Pix by Tanushalini Moroter