CULTURAL celebrations form the heartbeat of Penang’s vibrant identity, bringing its diverse communities together through shared traditions.
Among these, the Penang Miaohui, celebrated on the fifth day of the Chinese New Year (CNY), stands as one of Penang’s most anticipated cultural programmes.
In the lead-up to the festivities, Armenian Street and Armenian Park were illuminated today during a lighting-up ceremony that officially ushered in the spirit of the Penang Miaohui.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who participated in the ceremony, said the celebration, initiated by cultural and art enthusiasts in the community in 1999, has now entered its 27th year.
According to Chow, the Penang Miaohui draws about 200,000 visitors annually, serving as a platform to showcase Chinese culture and educate the public on its traditions.
“We can take pride that the event has become a tourism event, whether at the national or international level,” Chow said during a press conference held after the lighting-up ceremony.
Earlier in his speech, Chow said that over the years, the celebration has stayed true to its purpose by celebrating our local culture and ensuring that our traditions are passed on to the next generation.
“This year’s theme, ‘Decoding Journey’, invites all of us to slow down and take a closer look at the meaning behind our culture.
“From ancestral temple architecture and plaques to couplets and traditional skills, each element carries the wisdom of those before us.
“Through this journey, we are reminded of the depth, beauty, and enduring charm of our cultural heritage,” he added.
Chow shared that one of this year’s highlights is that, for the first time, Masjid Melayu (Jamek) Lebuh Acheh will open its doors to the public during the celebration, reflecting Penang’s strong spirit of mutual respect and multicultural harmony.
“Penang is proud to be known as a cultural city. Recently, CNN Travel and The New York Times named Penang as one of the must-visit destinations for 2026, and we are the only city in Malaysia on that list.
“Our rich history and multicultural way of life continue to attract visitors from near and far, especially during the Chinese New Year period.
“For many tourists, Miaohui is a must-visit event to truly experience the spirit of Penang. As this year is also Visit Malaysia Year, we hope our CNY programmes in Penang will bring even more people together to take part, to connect, and to celebrate our shared culture,” he added.
Following the lighting-up ceremony at Armenian Street, Chow and other dignitaries headed to Armenian Park to unveil ‘Xiao Jun’, the celebration’s mascot, before enjoying cultural dance and drum performances.
Penang Miao Hui is set to take place on Feb 21 from 4pm to 11pm at the George Town Heritage enclave, and admission is free.
Among those present during the ceremony were Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim, Women, Family and Community Development Deputy Minister Lim Hui Ying, State Social Development , Welfare and Non-Religious Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, Tourism Malaysia deputy chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin, Penang Chinese Clan Council (PCCC) chairman Ho Swee Choon, Chinese consul-general to Penang Zhou Youbin, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, and Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng.
Pictures taken at the ceremony:-
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix & Video by Law Suun Ting