Georgetown Heritage Celebration took place on 6th and 7th July 2013 in various places in Penang. I had the chance to finally be there to witness this colourful celebration. We had to lay down the map because we were unfamiliar with the streets and from time to time intrigued with the murals and steel-rod sculptures. We had only a Heritage Celebration brochures with list of events and venues to make do. Our skin burnt with the scorching sun and a forced determination made us endure the heat and the blisters. We went to Georgetown Camera Museum and Cherita Living Room and also hunted the murals and steel-rod sculptures.
Brash and tan, we decided to go back to Muntri House for shower. Most of the events started at 5p.m. So it was until then, we left our guest house for Georgetown Heritage Celebration. When we reached Lebuh Armenian, Menora Siam was prepping for performance. There was a crowd surrounding a group of musicians known as D’Strollers. There were playing acoustic music to famous Hokkien songs and English songs like Oh Carol, Mother Queen of my Heart, Ban Chun Kong and this one Hokkien Song with the crowds humming and singing along. What a good start for a celebration.
Georgetown Heritage Celebration – Menora Siam
The Menora or Nora is a form of folk dance theatre performed during Thai religious celebration and local temple festivities. It consists of stylised dance movements, instrumental music, singing and improvised performances based on mythical folktales. Although it was said that the red-masked clowns (called ang bin) speak in Malay, Hokkien and various other languages, I still can’t understand the story. But I really enjoyed the performance.
Georgetown Heritage Celebration – Teochew Rod Puppet
The thing about Georgetown Heritage Celebration is that many events took place at the same time at different locations. While the stage at Lebuh Armenian showed Menora Siam, Teochew Rod Puppet was being showed in Khoo Kongsi.
A culture originating from southern China, the rod puppet consists of wooden puppets that are manipulated by a pair of puppeteers who speak and sing in Teochew dialect. The rod puppet is performed in Malaysia to celebrate the birthdays of Chinese deities and other temple festivities.
As Georgetown Heritage Celebration was an all-night event, there were many other activities that visitors can engage on. For example, the kids could try their hands on origami.
Get portraits drawn.
Buy the famous Roti Benggali of Penang.
Candy floss time!
Henna art.
Daring ones get tattooed.
Coming out from the narrow walkway of Khoo Kongsi, there were stalls opened by the road side selling crafts and showcasing traditional items. There was a huge crowd at this hour eager to celebrate Georgetown Heritage.
Peranakan Hokkien Rhymes
The Penang Baba and Nyonya took centre stage by performing Peranakan Hokkien Rhymes. We, the audience, recited the rhymes after Nyonya Susan.
“Huei kim ch’neh, cap goh meh
Ch;nia lu ei ku wa lai chiak teh…”
Interesting facts on the rhymes:-
* The Baba and Nyonya chant rhymes to their children to instil social and cultural values, providing advice about family traditions and impart knowledge about customs and the celebration of important festivals.
* Specific rhymes are recited at specific occasions according to the themes.
* Some children’s rhymes include finger play, rocking movements and other activities.
* Huei Kim Ch’eh does not place any importance on the logic but focus on the rhythm and rhyming words.
Wayang Gedek
Wayang Gedek originated from the nang talung in southern Thailand. Performed for entertainment and rituals.
Let’s Celebrate
This was the most exciting yet tiring part. It was late, but still a celebration. And it came from all directions. I remembered having to run from one place to another following the commotion.
Dhol Drum!
Tarian Kuda & Merak
The Lion Dance
The Boria Troops