GEORGE TOWN, Feb 14 (Bernama) -- The Chap Goh Meh Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of Chinese New Year (CNY) in Penang, is a unique tradition that embodies culture and unity.
Held at Padang Kota Lama, the festival drew around 20,000 visitors, including tourists, who gathered to witness the symbolic tradition of floating mandarin oranges into the sea.
Often called the "Chinese Valentine’s Day," Chap Goh Meh marks the end of the CNY celebrations and is embraced not only by the Chinese community but also by people of diverse backgrounds.
This year’s festival, themed Remembering Love, highlighted the significance of love, unity, and cultural heritage.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the festival featured cultural performances, arts and crafts activities, and vibrant marketplace stalls, creating a lively atmosphere from 5 pm to 11 pm.
“The event is not only a symbol of joy, prosperity, and harmony, but also reflects the unity that strengthens both the state and the nation,” he said. Also present were Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying.
Visitor Melissa Tan, 28, an accountant from Alor Setar, Kedah, took leave from work to celebrate Chap Goh Meh in Penang with friends, saying the annual festivities are always lively and draw people from various communities.
Meanwhile, Chow said Chap Goh Meh symbolises love, tradition, and unity, adding that this year's festivities were even more vibrant as they coincided with Valentine’s Day.
He noted that such CNY events could serve as a prelude to Visit Malaysia Year 2026, attracting more tourists while boosting both the state and national economy.
“We expected about 20,000 visitors for this year’s Chap Goh Meh, and over a million visitors in Penang throughout the CNY period,” he said.
Chow highlighted the celebration as a testament to the state's dynamic culture, where people from all walks of life come together in unity and harmony.
-- BERNAMA
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