A DAZZLING display of traditional performances and living arts from Malaysia and nine other countries has captivated visitors at Armenian Street in George Town as the Living Arts Culture Festival 2025 (LACF2025) brings George Town’s heritage zone to life.
Organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) in collaboration with the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) Penang, the three-day festival runs from Oct 3 to 5, celebrating the theme ‘Sustainability of Cultural Heritage’.
The festival showcases an array of traditional performances and living art forms from Malaysia, Bulgaria, the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Japan, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Thailand, and Uzbekistan, creating a vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and stories from across the globe.
Visitors are also treated to a variety of engaging cultural experiences, including the ‘Malaysian Breakfast Experience,’ a colourful cultural parade, live caricature sessions, handicraft exhibitions and sales, a tiffin carrier showcase, lantern displays, and more.
Adding depth to the festivities, special dialogues and workshops are being held on the digitalisation of arts and culture, exploring innovative ways to preserve and promote heritage in the digital era.
Described as a true celebration of cultural diversity, LACF2025 offers a meaningful and immersive experience for culture lovers, art enthusiasts, and curious visitors alike, all set against the charming backdrop of George Town’s Unesco World Heritage Site.
The festival was officially opened today by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Ramli Ngah Talib and his consort, Yang Mulia Toh Puan Raja Datuk Seri Utama Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah.
In his speech, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow expressed his gratitude to Motac and the Federal Government for selecting Penang as the host of this prestigious cultural celebration.
“This is not only recognition of George Town as a Unesco World Heritage Site, but also an acknowledgement that Penang is a place where culture and the arts truly come alive,” he said.
Chow highlighted that the festival’s theme, Sustainability of Cultural Heritage, serves as a reminder that while Malaysians celebrate their arts and traditions today, they must also safeguard them for future generations.
“It is about ensuring that our heritage continues to live, breathe, and inspire long after us,” he said.
He added that Penang’s position as a cultural crossroads makes it the ideal location for the festival, offering visitors and international participants an authentic experience of Malaysia’s living heritage.
“This festival also allows us to showcase Penang as one of Asia’s preferred cultural and tourism destinations.
“We hope our guests, especially those from faraway countries like Bulgaria and Uzbekistan, will bring home a piece of Penang’s warmth and diversity,” Chow said.
He added that LACF2025 is not just a festival, but a bridge that connects nations and cultures.
“Though we may come from different parts of the world, we share the same goal, which is to keep our cultural heritage alive and pass it on proudly to future generations,” said Chow.
Chow concluded his speech by expressing hope that LACF2025 would serve as a reminder of what can be achieved when communities unite to preserve heritage, foster understanding, and celebrate Malaysia’s cultural pride with the world.
Also present were Motac secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot, Penang State Secretary Datuk Zulkifli Long, and JKKN director-general Mohd Amran Mohd Haris.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis