Penang Pesta Chingay Parade

Chingay which derived from China is a specialty of Penang. The spectacular flag carrying and balancing feat in the well-known Chingay procession was confined to the celebration of birthday of deities, but Penang had gradually converted its significance to tourism.

The first chingay procession in Penang was held by Market Traders and other Chinese communities in the city, who carried the idol of the Goddess of Mercy and 40-feet Chingay flags and rounded George Town in order to eliminate the 'plague' which occurred then.

The second Chingay procession was held in 1926 in celebration of the birthday of the God of Prosperity. The third Chingay procession was held in 1957 to celebrate the commemoration of the City Council of George Town.

However as years went by, the Chingay procession had changed from its original purpose to the promotion of tourism. In 1966, the then City Council of George Town organised the Festival of Penang to promote tourism. This time, the Chingay procession not only consisted of Chingay flags, but also Lion Dance and Dragon Dance as well.

After a lapse of four years, the State Government of Penang organised the first Festival of Penang in 1970. In all functions, Chingay had played an important part to woo tourist, especially foreigners, to visit Penang to see the exciting and impressive balancing of a 40-feet tall Chingay flag.