Indulge yourself in a 3 full dayof festivities celebrating the outstanding universal values of George Town which highlights to the world a rare example of ‘multiculturalism’ forged from the unique meeting of various cultures.
These celebrations of George Town World Heritage Site will be throughout the core historical streets of George Town with events including performances from the multicultural communities of Penang, tours & visits to various heritage sites and shophouses, heritage talks and forum, showcase of traditional handcrafts and food as well as exhibition.
See, smell, taste, listen and feel the lively streets of George Town and get up-close and personal experiences with the local residents.
Exhibition. Cultural Performances. Talk & Forum. Traditional Food & Craft Bazaar.
All events are subject to change. Also free of charge unless otherwise stated
1 . Open House: Public and Private Heritage Buildings
Venue : Various locations
Time: 2pm to 5pm
Experience the town as a vast museum as various heritage landmarks, both public and private, opens their doors to visitors. Take your pick: Light House at Esplanade, Yeng Keng Hotel, Muda House, Penang Gold Smith Association, Cheah Kongsi, Islamic Museum, St. George’sChurch, PenangStateMuseum, and more.
*CheongFattSzeMansion (limited to first 100 persons only and open at 1.30pm)
The local Malay community presents an exciting programme of cultural performances including Boria, Ghazal, songs from the 60’s, Gamelan and Silat.
3. Chinese Cultural Performance and Exhibition
Venue: Penang Teochew Association, Lebuh Chulia
Time: 3pm to 10pm (Open house and Exhibition)
6pm to 11pm
(Cultural activities and performances)
An exhibition on the history of Penang’s Teochew clan and HanJiang Educational System, presented alongside cultural performances including grand Teochew Drums and Gongs, Traditional Teochew Opera and song, Chinese Orchestra, 24 Seasonal Drums, Harmonica music, traditional Chinese dance and Dragon Dance. Don’t misses the other cultural experiences such as Teochew Opera make up demonstration and showcase of Teochew craft and food!
4. Vintage Bicycle Parade
Venue : Start from Kapitan Keling Mosque to Gurney Drive
Time : 3pm - 6pm
Come and witness the fun parade showcasing the vintage bicycles.
5. Book Launch:Heritage Trees of Penang
Venue : E & O Hotel, Lebuh Farquhar
Time : 9am
Admission: By Invitation only
Enquiries: Areca Books, 2610307
Book launch of ‘Heritage Trees of Penang’, written by Simon Garder, Pindar and Lai Ee May.
6. Traditional Food & Craft Bazaar
Venue : Lebuh Armenian and Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling
Time : 5pm to 9pm
George Town at its ‘rojak’ best – a melting pot of clashing colours and flavours. At this street bazaar, visitors are welcome to witness the city’s various communities put on a rich display of their heritage. See demonstrations of Chinese lantern-making, Batik art, Indian garland-tying, henna tattoo art, and other handicrafts. You can also feast on delicacies such as Nyonya cuisine, the famed Penang’s laksa, and Eurasian pastries and more.
7. Meng Eng Soo Open Day - The Path that Our Sage Predecessors Walked
Venue : Meng Eng Soo, 48, Jalan Pintal Tali/Rope Walk
Time : 6pm to 10pm
Inquiries: 2645576
An exhibition that pays tribute to the pioneers and leaders of Penang’s Chinese communities and clan associations. Also features street performances of Boria, drummers, traditional singing, storytelling, and more.
Public are encourage to dress up in your best traditional costume. Experience the early life of Penang, all the buying and selling on the day will use old money (replica).
8. Indian Muslim Musical Performance @ Lebuh Queen
Venue : Main Stage at Lebuh Queen
Time : 6pm to 10pm
The Indian Muslim community celebrates its heritage with performances of Islamic cultural songs, 'Baith' recitals, Qawwali, Ghazals performance and more.
9. Lion Dance Performance on High Poles
Venue : Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling
Time : 7pm & 9pm
10. Violinist on the Streets
Venue: Lebuh Armenian and Lebuh Cannon
Time: 6pm to 8pm
Twenty-year-old Nanaco busks on the streets of Penang. It’s a rare treat to be serenaded by this Japanese violin prodigy who has performed in the USA and Japan. Find her on the street!
11. Chinese Orchestra & Exhibition of Penang Old Postcards
Venue : Cheah Kongsi, Lebuh Armenian
Time : 5pm to 9pm (Exhibition)
7pm to 10pm (Performance)
Witness a riveting cum contemporized performance by the 4U Chinese band that uses traditional Chinese musical instruments such as Erhu, Pipa, Tizi, Guzheng and Yangqin. Also featuring exhibition of Penang old postcard by Penang Philatelic Society.
12. George Town Cultural Show
Venue : Khoo Kongsi, Lebuh Cannon
Time : 8pm to 10pm
George Town’s dancers come alive in this vibrant showcase of movement and music. Featuring dance performances by members of the local multi-ethic groups such as Indian, Chinese, Punjabi, Siamese and Peranakan communities. List of the dance is important
Also features a contemporary dance piece ‘12 Monkeys and More’ consisting of individual works by Zubin Mohamad (Malaysia), Ghaffar Pourazar (China) and Jitti Compee (Thailand).
25) Indian Muslim Exhibition at Kapitan Keling Mosque
Venue : Kapitan Keling Mosque, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling
Time : 10 am to 10 pm
An exhibition of photographs and artifacts that takes you through the history of the Indian Muslim community in Penang.
26） Heritage Celebration at Acheen Street Malay Mosque
Venue : Lebuh Acheh and Acheen Street Malay Mosque compound
Time : 10am to 10pm
Exhibition of the history of Acheen Street Malay Mosque and experience the authentic Malay culture in Islamic calligraphy, food and craft and traditional games.
27) Penang Teochew Association Exhibition
Venue : Penang Teochew Association, Lebuh Chulia
Time : 3pm to 10pm
Exhibition on the history of Penang Teochew clan and and HanJiang Educational System.
28) Nasi Kandar Food Festival
Location : Lebuh Queen
Time : 6pm to 11pm
Price : price of food will be decided by the organizer
As you dig into a plate of delicious Nasi Kandar in George Town, be sure to keep an eye out for showcases of the history of the legendary dish.
All events are subject to change. Also free of charge unless otherwise stated.
13) World Heritage Interactive Photography
Venue : Town Hall, MPPP, Jalan Padang Kota Lama
Time : 10am to 5pm
Enquiries : 013- 9760187
A photography workshop showcasing special moments of George Town.
14) Indian Dance & Musical Performances
Venue : Little India - Junction of Lebuh Penang and Lebuh Chulia
& In front of SriMahamariammanTemple
Time : 6.30pm to 10pm
Exotic and exuberant, the Indian community celebrates its heritage with performances of Indian classical and traditional dance and music. Evening highlights include ‘Cascading Melody’, a North Indian musical performance that includes Sitar and Tabla recitals.
All talks are FREE admission. Please make early registration to prevent disappointment. Contact Penang Heritage Trust, 264 2631.
15) Public Talk: Japanese Occupation ofPenang by Clement Liang
Venue : Town Hall, MPPP, Jalan Padang Kota Lama
Time : 7pm to 8.30pm
Revisit one of the darkest periods in Penang history in this insightful talk on the Japanese Occupation with perspectives from both British and Japanese sources, with rare archival photos and footage.
15) Public Talk: Japanese Occupation of Penang by Clement Liang
Venue : Town Hall, MPPP, Jalan Padang Kota Lama
Time : 7pm to 8.30pm
Revisit one of the darkest periods in Penang history in this insightful talk on the Japanese Occupation with perspectives from both British and Japanese sources, with rare archival photos and footage.
16) Public Talk: The Jawi Peranakan and Straits Muslims: Culinary HeritageandFood Tourism by Wazir Jahan Karim
Venue : Town Hall, MPPP, Jalan Padang Kota Lama
Time : 8.30pm to 10pm
17) Public Talk and Demonstration: History of Baba Nyonya by MichaelCheah
Venue : Studio at Straits Collection at 86, Lebuh Armenian
Time : 7pm to 8.30pm
18) Public Talk: Sun Yat Sen in Penang by Lim Gaik Siang
Venue : Penang Teochew Association, Lebuh Chulia
Time : 8.30pm to 10pm
24) Teochew Puppet Show
Venue : Yeng Keng Hotel, Lebuh Chulia
Time : 7pm to 10pm
25) Indian Muslim Exhibition at Kapitan Keling Mosque
Venue : Kapitan Keling Mosque, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling
Time : 10 am to 10 pm
An exhibition of photographs and artifacts that takes you through the history of the Indian Muslim community in Penang.
26） Heritage Celebration at Acheen Street Malay Mosque
Venue : Lebuh Acheh and Acheen Street Malay Mosque compound
Time : 10am to 10pm
Exhibition of the history of Acheen Street Malay Mosque and experience the authentic Malay culture in Islamic calligraphy, food and craft and traditional games.
27) Penang Teochew Association Exhibition
Venue : Penang Teochew Association, Lebuh Chulia
Time : 3pm to 10pm
Exhibition on the history of Penang Teochew clan and and HanJiang Educational System.
28) Nasi Kandar Food Festival
Location : Lebuh Queen
Time : 6pm to 11pm
Price : price of food will be decided by the organizer
As you dig into a plate of delicious Nasi Kandar in George Town, be sure to keep an eye out for showcases of the history of the legendary dish.
All events are subject to change. Also free of charge unless otherwise stated.All bookings are first come first served basis, limited to maximum 3 pax per registration. Group booking more than 3 pax will not be entertained. Registration starts from 28 June 2011.
19. Indian Muslim Cultural Celebration
Venue : Kapitan Keling Mosque, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling
Time : 8am to 10pm
Penang’s Indian Muslim community celebrate their contribution to the city’s tapestry of cultures with a day-long programme of activities including a teh tarik competition, a tour of Kapitan Keling mosque, a snake-charming performance, interactive demonstrations of Indian Muslim cuisine and crafts, and more.
Revisit the golden age of Penang’s past when it was one of the wealthiest centre of trade and commerce on this guided tour of some of the finest residential and commercial shophouses in George Town. Tours are available in English and Chinese.
The Penang Sun Yat Sen Heritage Trail, the first of its kind outside Hong Kong, will showcase the sites visited by Dr. Sun Yat Sen, as well as institutions established by Dr Sun’s Penang supporters. The trail consists of more than 15 historical sites in Penang associated with Sun Yat Sen and his followers. This guided trail will cover selected sites in the inner city of George Town.
Introducing 6 old-time families whose roots have intertwined to form part of the multi-cultural tapestry of George Town’s living heritage. These residents are witnesses of history, keepers of precious memories and bearers of traditional skills & wisdoms. They will open their memories, photo albums, and unearth inherited treasures to be shared with in the intimacy of their traditional homes. Tours are available in different languages depending on the house owners. Register to visit ONE house from 6 different families for each time slot. Click here for more details
23. Cemetery Tour
Venue : Protestant Cemetery, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah
Glean the secrets of the city’s past with this unexpected tour of one of the oldest cemeteries in George Town. As the final resting place of Penang’s European pioneers such as Francis Light, James Scott and several early governors, the cemetery is a treasure trove of history. Tours are available in English only.
