THE Penang Chap Goh Meh celebration will be held on March 3 at the Esplanade from 5pm, marking the grand finale of the 15-day Chinese New Year festivities in the state.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the annual celebration symbolises reunion and completeness while reflecting Penang’s multicultural charm.
“This year’s Chap Goh Meh celebration will feature a rich programme ranging from the orange tossing ritual to high-pole lion dances, Peranakan cultural performances and a fireworks display, offering a cultural showcase where heritage meets creativity,” he said at a press conference today.
Wong said Penang was widely recognised as one of the states with the most vibrant Chinese New Year atmosphere in Malaysia, with festive events held across both the island and mainland.
“This year, Penang Island and Seberang Perai have hosted more than 30 medium and large-scale Chinese New Year events as well as hundreds of community celebrations, from the Kek Lok Si light-up displays and Penang Miao Hui to the Pai Thee Kong celebrations and Chap Goh Meh,” he said.
“These events bring traditional culture closer to the people and attract more visitors to experience Penang’s unique festive charm.”
He said the Chap Goh Meh celebration would coincide with the Ramadan month this year, reflecting Penang’s multicultural harmony.
“The convergence of different cultural celebrations highlights Penang’s diversity, inclusiveness and social harmony,” he said.
Wong said last year’s Chap Goh Meh celebration attracted about 80,000 visitors as it fell on a weekend, while this year’s event would take place on the actual 15th day of the Lunar New Year which falls on a weekday.
“The programme integrates traditional customs, artistic performances and modern stage elements, and welcomes both locals and international visitors to experience Penang’s distinctive festive atmosphere,” he said.
He said the symbolic orange tossing ceremony would be held at 7pm, allowing members of the public to participate in the traditional ritual associated with blessings and romance.
“This custom reflects Penang’s historical significance as one of the key centres of Peranakan culture,” he said.
Wong said the celebration would also feature a Dondang Sayang float procession and Peranakan dance performances highlighting Baba Nyonya musical and artistic heritage.
“This allows visitors to experience Penang’s unique cultural fusion,” he said.
He added that the event carries added significance following the recent recognition received by the Esplanade seawall at the 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.
Wong said he would be attending the Singapore Chingay Parade this weekend, where Penang’s Chingay team has already arrived for rehearsals.
“The world’s first kebaya-themed Chingay flag will be showcased there and will also be featured during the Chap Goh Meh celebration,” he said.
He said highlights of the celebration include a double-lion high-pole performance by Penang’s champion team, Chingay performances, a Chinese face-changing act by Malaysia’s youngest performer Nicky Quan and musical performances by Alice Leow.
“There will also be cross-cultural dance showcases and interactive sessions with radio DJs throughout the evening,” he said.
Wong said the celebration would conclude with a fireworks display to mark the end of the festive season.
“The Chap Goh Meh celebration represents reunion and blessings while symbolises Penang’s continued progress as a leading cultural tourism destination,” he said.
Event organiser WY Cheah said new family-friendly elements would be introduced this year.
“A carousel ride will be provided for children aged 12 and below to enhance family participation,” he said.
Cheah said the first 300 international visitors would receive vouchers for traditional snacks.
“Members of the public will also have the opportunity to receive limited-edition colourful horse figurines symbolising blessings of prosperity, longevity and good fortune,” he said.
He added that the figurines are equipped with NFC technology allowing users to connect to Penang Global Tourism’s Facebook page, subject to eligibility requirements.
Also present was Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan.
Story by Edmund Lee