OVER 1,000 performers from 32 teams captivated a large crowd with their thrilling stunts, athleticism and dances at the 13th Chingay Parade in Butterworth recently.
Balancing the tall flag poles with their foreheads, shoulders, abdominal areas, and even mouths in the windy atmosphere posed a challenge to the performers on the streets, yet they demonstrated delightful skills. Spectators erupted in applause whenever participants performed daring feats.
Many residents and visitors lined up the 4.6km route to witness the parade which, started from the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) field in Jalan Bagan Luar at about 7.30pm, culminating at the Tow Boo Kong in Butterworth at about 11.30pm on Dec 23.
The mainland parade is part of the Pesta Chingay 2023, as another celebration is scheduled to be held on the island tomorrow (Dec 30) in George Town, from Padang Brown to Light Street.
A variety of activities, including a 338-foot-long dragon dance performance, and traditional Malay and Indian martial and cultural performances, made the parade even more memorable and exciting.
School bands from SMK Bagan Jaya (Butterworth), Yuk Choy High School and Shen Jai High School (both from Perak), along with The Boys’ Brigade in Malaysia (3rd Butterworth Company Pipe Band), played a few lively tunes each in front of the main stage, followed by a brief fireworks display at the MBSP field before the parade began.
To infuse a touch of Christmas spirit, some participants donned Santa hats and reindeer antlers’ headbands.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who officiated the parade, emphasised that although the parade originated from the Chinese community, it is looked forward to by Malaysians of all races and religions.
“This colourful and unique Chingay parade has attracted the attention of not only Malaysians but also tourists from abroad.
“I feel very proud to observe the values of unity, respect and the spirit of Madani Malaysia displayed by the people of Penang in celebrating the diversity of festivals from various cultural backgrounds.
“Organising events promote cultural sharing and foster tolerance, contributing to the development of a progressive society. This is one of the goals for organising the event tonight,” Chow said in his speech.
Based on data from Cultural Mapping by the National Department of Culture and Arts, this year marks the 104th year that the Chingay Parade in Penang, with the first one held in 1919. Chow expressed gratitude for the continued celebration, a privilege for the state.
As chief minister, Chow said he was grateful and proud to witness this kind of celebration still being practised and even promoted every year by the state government in addition to the continuous efforts of the private sector and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Chow also thanked the PETACE office, under the supervision of state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, organising chairman Lay Hock Peng, his special coordinating officer, and all who contributed energy, time and ideas to organise the parade.
Chow concluded his speech by quoting a Bahasa idiom regarding the preservation of the culture, “tak lapuk dek hujan, tak lekang dek panas,” which means “Tradition that withstands the test of time.”
Wong said since 2008, the Penang government has been organising Chingay processions and various sports events on the mainland as an acknowledgment of the importance of Seberang Perai in the overall development of Penang state.
During the parade, the Butterworth Chingay team caught the eye with 10 Malay members, constituting almost half the squad.
Mohd Asri Jusoh, 46, and Mohd Syuhairy Sudin, 41, have actively participated in Chingay for the past 20 years.
Said Mohd Asri: “Chingay is our hobby. We have a lot of Chinese friends and we all work as a team.
“However, chingay can sometimes be quite risky. If you are not careful, injuries can occur.”
Among the spectators were four foreign tourists – Anna Toutant, 35, from France; Juua Lesliren, 24,s from Finlan; and Olfa Mannai, 30, and Aladin Nefzi, 28, from Tunisia. None of them had ever witnessed a Chingay festival before.
While on vacation, the quartet stayed in the same hostel in George Town, Penang, and decided to attend the Chingay procession after Mannai learned about it. They took the ferry to Butterworth for the event.
“We came because we just want to know more about the local culture. Seeing the good turnout, we believe this must be an important and fantastic event. We are thrilled to be part of the occasion,” said Mannai, who had a camera in hand.
Other notable attendees included Bagan Dalam assemblyman Kumaran Krishnan, Bagan Jermal assemblyman Chee Yeeh Kean and Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Suan Sze.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis