IT was an evening of joy and togetherness as children and families lit up George Town, celebrating the Penang Lantern Parade Festival at New World Park and the Pesta Tanglung Tanjong 2025 at Lebuh Acheh.
At New World Park, the celebration featured a variety of exciting activities, including a lantern-making competition, a Chang’e impersonation contest, traditional Malay kompang and Indian tabla drumming, diabolo, Zumba, and lively street dance performances.
These activities not only highlighted Penang’s rich cultural diversity but also gave participants the chance to showcase their creativity, teamwork, and enthusiasm.
The lantern-making competition, always a crowd favourite, encouraged children to craft their lanterns using eco-friendly materials, blending environmental awareness with artistic expression.
Equally captivating was the Chang’e impersonation contest, where participants dressed as the moon goddess from Chinese mythology. The dazzling costumes and imaginative interpretations brought the timeless legend vividly to life.
The evening culminated in the much-anticipated lantern procession, led by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying, who is also the Deputy Finance Minister, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng and Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, each carrying a paper lantern.
Others who joined in were Chow’s political secretary Lau Keng Ee, Penang Island City Council councillors Alan Lim Wei Lun and Benji Ang Ming Quan, Padang Kota Service Centre director Ewe Chee Way, MPKK Jalan Transfer/Argyll chairman Mak Tong Lee, organising chairman Lim Bee Ho, Toi Shan Ningyang Woi Kwan organising committee chairman and treasurer Ng Kwan Fook, and PPB Properties general manager Lim Chee Wai.
Along the procession route, drums were beaten, followed by a Chingay troupe, a young boy showcasing his diabolo skills, a dragon dance troupe, street dancing, and a decorated vehicle, all adding to the festive spirit that filled the neighbourhood.
Young children, either carried or guided by their parents and grandparents, looked as happy as larks as they held glowing lanterns during the parade.
The procession stood as a clear reminder of how Penang celebrates cultural diversity with openness and inclusivity, reinforcing its reputation as a model of harmonious multicultural living in Malaysia.
Officiating the festival, Chow expressed heartfelt appreciation to the organisers, volunteers, and participants for their efforts in making the celebration a success. He praised the diversity of the attendees, saying the event was a reflection of the harmony and cultural richness that define Penang and Malaysia.
“This celebration is not just about enjoying mooncakes or welcoming the full moon. It is a time for families, friends, and communities to strengthen their ties and embrace the spirit of togetherness that has always been the foundation of our society,” Chow said.
He further highlighted the festival’s multicultural character, noting that while the Mid-Autumn Festival is rooted in Chinese culture, it has become a cherished occasion for Malaysians of all backgrounds.
“This celebration is not only embraced by the Chinese community, but also warmly participated in by friends of other ethnic groups. The celebration by the three main races together deepens the meaning of this festival. This is one of Malaysia’s endearing qualities — where people from different ethnicities can come together to celebrate and share happiness,” he said.
In his speech, Chow also touched on Penang’s participation in the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan, last week. He expressed pride in showcasing the state’s unique cultural heritage on the global stage, including Nyonya culture and iconic local food such as roti canai.
“Penang’s strength lies in its diverse cultural traditions, and it’s an honour to share this with the world,” he said.
While recognising that every state in Malaysia has its own cultural identity, Chow noted that Penang stands out for its ability to bring people of different ethnicities together in harmony.
“This is the true spirit of Malaysia. Our cultural diversity is our greatest asset,” he remarked, voicing hopes for a future where unity, creativity, and cultural understanding continue to flourish.
He also thanked the organisers, especially the Village Community Management Council (MPKK) of Jalan Argyll/Jalan Transfer, for spearheading this year’s Lantern Parade Festival.
Chow and Lim, together with other dignitaries, later proceeded to the Youth Centre at Lebuh Acheh to join the vibrant Pesta Tanglung Tanjong 2025.
Chow stressed that Penang’s development must go beyond industry and manufacturing, noting that culture and tourism form the soul of the city. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, George Town carries the responsibility of safeguarding its heritage.
“Cultural events are not only about preserving tradition but also about extending creativity. Celebrations attract visitors and boost the economy while sustaining traditions and culture,” he said, before wishing everyone a happy Mid-Autumn Festival and expressing hope that Penang will continue balancing development with heritage.
Lim highlighted that the carnival, now in its fourth year, has grown since its inception in 2019.
“From the downturn during the pandemic to today’s flourishing celebration, the journey has not been easy. This carnival embodies the spirit of Chinese culture and unites people across ethnic lines,” she said, thanking the Kampung Kolam MPKK and co-organising groups for their efforts.
She also underscored the Unity Government’s reforms, including the upcoming RON95 petrol subsidy reform (BUDI95), which she said will save the government billions annually to be channelled into education, healthcare and social services.
During the ceremony, Chow and Lim each presented mock cheques of RM30,000 and RM50,000 respectively to Kampung Kolam MPKK.
Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng added that the Mid-Autumn Festival reflects Penang’s warmth and hospitality, while tourism extends the reach of local culture. He cited Penang’s recent ranking as the 7th ‘Top Destination in Asia’ by Smart Travel Asia and the recognition of two local hotels – Eastern & Oriental Hotel and Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort – among Asia’s top hotels for weddings and family getaways.
The park also features a festive display of 700 lanterns, which will be illuminated nightly from 7pm to 7am until Oct 21, offering the public ample opportunities to enjoy the spectacle and capture memorable moments.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian and Siti Nuratikah Rahmat
Video by Law Suun Ting
