Thousands of locals, tourists show up for annual Penang Chingay Parade

GEORGE TOWN: Thousands of people, both local and foreigners, took to the streets of George Town to be part of the Penang Chingay Parade 2024 yesterday, which began at Jalan Johor in Padang Brown here. State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said 41 teams, including Chingay flag bearers, aerobics, bands, Muay Thai and silambam exponents as well as floats, made their way through Jalan Datuk Keramat, Jalan Penang, Lebuh Chulia and Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling before ending at the Esplanade three hours later, having travelled about 4.5 kilometres. “Chingay in Penang isn’t just for entertainment, but is a symbol of the cooperation and appreciation towards the rich cultural heritage shared by all races, and the parade brings all of us and strengthens us as a community,” he said. The crowds of people who lined the streets were entertained not only with spellbinding performances of Chingay flag acrobatics, but also lion dances, dragon dances as well as martial arts displays by parade participants, who were not only of Chinese descent, but also Malays and Indians who call the island home. Trader Mohamed Azizul Abu Bakar Sitiz, 29, shared that he started dabbling…