What A Let Down….

I was looking forward to a fun filled evening with my family and was very eager to see the 4 “lions” fighting to reach the top of the 6m podium. It was not as crowded as I would expect, but at 7.30pm the larger section of the crowd was enjoying the mini concert featuring traditional dances, while the other portion was gathering at the “ring side” where the 4 “lions” will trash it out like in the movie.

And there was the fortune well where well wishers threw oranges into it, hoping that their wishes will be granted. The other set back was, the whole structure fell apart and came crashing down. (See the before and after photo). I hope no one was injured….

We waited until 9.15pm and still nothing happened..One of the Rela guys told us that the “fight” will only start at 10.30pm….What??? I mean there were let so many people waiting for this event, and there was practically no other events..
I was dissappointed, my family was dissappointed, we came home empty handed and no photos to share…..I hope the next event on the 9th Feb 2009, will be much better…let’s hope.

Chap Goh Meh Celebration 2009

Date: 9th February 2009 (Monday)
Location: Esplanade, Penang
Time: 7pm to 11pm
Organizer: Penang State Government
Tel: 604-650 5136

Chinese Lanterns
The Penang State Government is organizing the ‘Chap Goh Meh’ celebration or the 15th night of the Lunar New Year celebration on 9th February 2009 at Esplande from 7pm to 11pm. This occasion signifies the first full moon of the New Year and during this celebration you will find fair maidens gathering to toss tangerines into the sea, in hope that their future spouse will pick it up. Besides that, there will be several cultural performances including a Baba Nyonya performance.

This year, Penang State Government is happy to announce that the renowed Kun Seng Keng Lion and Dragon Association from Muar, Johor, whom has won 29 World Championship, will be performing their Lion Dance On Stilts at Chap Goh Meh Festival. Apart from Lion Dance, be ready to enjoy a 12 minutes firework.

Chap Goh Meh’s schedule:
7.00pm - Guests arrival
7.05pm - Lion Dance, Dragon Dance and Chingay performances
7.30pm - Joget and Dondang Sayang performances
8.00pm - Arrival of YAB Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng
“Kam” Mandarine orange tossing ceremony by Chief Minister and Ms Pesta Pulau Pinang
Lion Dance
Chinese New Year Songs by Mr Lau Han Keat
8.40pm - Arrival of TYT Dato Seri (Dr) Haji Abdul Rahman Bin Haji Abbas, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang serta yang Amat Berbahagia Toh Puan Dato’ Seri Utama Hajah Majimor Bt Shariff
8.45pm - Speech by YAB Chief Minister
8.55pm - Baba Nyonya Dance
9.20pm - Penang Boria Dance
9.40pm - Chinese Traditional Opera
9.50pm - Indian Traditional Performance
10.00pm - “Niuh” Dance / Cow Dance
10.15pm - TYT & Toh Puan departure
10.20pm - Johnny Chee & The Nyonya Belles performance
10.35pm - Lion Dance on Stilts
The End

Road closures: Jalan Padang Kota Lama, Lebuh Light, Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah

Lion Dance Competition

A LION dance competition, in which the first troupe to reach a platform 6m from the ground will be declared the winner, will be the highlight of a Chap Goh Meh celebration hosted by the Penang Chinese Town Hall (PCTH) in George Town this Sunday, 8 Feb 2009.

Four troupes had confirmed participation in the competition which he believed was the first of its kind in the country.

The lions will first have to clear several obstacles placed along the ladder before reaching the platform. The winner and other participating troupes would win cash prizes, the amounts of which had yet to be decided.

It is estimated about 30,000 people were expected to turn up for the celebration which would be held from 6pm to 11pm.

A specially-designed wishing well would be put up in front of the Goddess of Mercy temple at the junction of China Street and Jalan Mesjid Kapitan Keling for the customary orange-throwing practice.

2,000 oranges for those wishing to throw the fruit into the well, adding that the public could get the fruit by making a donation which would be channeled to a charitable kidney dialysis centre.

The main performance stage would be erected at the junction of Jalan Mesjid Kapitan Keling and Bishop Street, adding that the programme for the evening included song and dance performances, Baba Nyonya and Malay folk dance presentations and Chingay performances.

Jalan Mesjid Kapitan Keling would be closed to traffic from 4pm until midnight on that day for the event. Hawker stalls will be set up along nearby Queen Street.

Visitors can park their cars at St George’s Church nearby for a RM3 fee