In a carnival mood

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A SEA of people witnessed ancient traditions being reenacted in an enclave steeped in Penang’s history.

The annual Chinese New Year Cultural and Heritage Celebration 2012 in George Town opened a window to the past and brought normally quiet streets to life.

Thousands of visitors had a whale of a time soaking up the rich atmosphere.

They took in a myriad of Chinese cultural showcases taking place on many streets, corners and alleyways, beginning from 3pm on Sunday.

The ‘dragon’ was ever present, weaving its serpentine glory over the crowd at several locations, as well as casting an imposing figure on the grand arch and main stage along Cannon Street.

Sparkling end: Fireworks bursting in the sky as the CNY Cultural and Heritage Celebration 2012 at George Town comes to a close

One particular ‘dragon’, accompanied by a ‘phoenix’, heralded the arrival of the night’s VIPs — the Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas and Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

The VIPS together with dignitaries of various clan associations and the public were entertained by multi-cultural dances and songs as well as Chinese orchestra, drum and opera performances.

A Chinese acrobat troupe also thrilled the crowd with their stunts.

Each street were devoted to one specific aspect of local Chinese culture and heritage.

Capturing a moment: The God of Prosperity taking a picture as he poses with Loo Peh Shuang, 32

At Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, chingay performers and lion dancers on stilts enthralled visitors with amazing displays of skill, balance and agility.

Chulia Street, christened as the ‘Native Place Region’, resonated with the classic notes of Teochew, Canton, Hainan and Hokkien operas, as well as singing performances.

Ah Quee Street, the ‘Street of Old Penang’, was tinged with nostalgia as demonstrations of traditional handicraft were held to show modern folk how things were done in the past.

Further down the same street, named the ‘Chinese Traditional Health Zone’, there were Tai Chi Quan and Qi Gong performances, along with a war drums performance and a Qi Lin dance.

The ‘Chinese Culture Zone’ at Cheah Kongsi along Armenian Street was declared the world of the Dra-gon King. Visitors there were greeted by bubble-blowing fish and sea creature figures.

Hopes for the Dragon Year: Visitors writing down their wishes and hanging the pieces of paper at the Make-A-Wish Dragon at Cheah Kongsi

People hung their festive wishes on a Make-a-Wish Dragon, sat on the Dragon Throne and witnessed an interactive procession of the Dragon King’s daughter’s marriage ceremony.

The Poh Hock Seah was transformed into a ‘Baba Nyonya Culture Zone’ in honour of the Chinese who left their homeland in the 15th and 16th centuries to make a living in faraway lands.

Those who came to Malaysia eventually integrated themselves with the Malay community.

People enjoyed a recreation of a Baba Nyonya marriage ceremony and demonstrations on kebaya sewing, Nyonya shoe-making, pantun recitals and joget sessions.

Visitors to the Khoo Kongsi came face to face with the God of Fortune and three little Fortune Dragons who went on a fashion parade.

Later, a drama performance called ‘Legend of the Dragon Inn’ kept the crowd entertained.

At the Penang Youth Centre, Human Chinese Chess matches took place, while Dr Sun Yat Sen’s base showcased an exhibition on the late revolutionary figure.

The Clan Houses along the same road erected a 3D Surname Tree, as well as an exhibition on surnames for those interested in their roots and origins.

Throughout the day, visitors took care of their hunger pangs at an assortment of stalls selling local delicacies along Carnavon Street.

The bash was capped off with a 10-minute fireworks display at the stroke of midnight, illuminating the night sky with brilliant colours.

The event was jointly organised by the state government, the Penang Chinese Clan Council and Penang Clan Association Youth Committee.