It’s the month of July which means George Town UNESCO World Heritage Day is just around the corner. George Town has all sorts of traditions and cultures that some of us don’t even know about. As Penangites, we should definitely learn as much as we can about the cultures that we are surrounded by. During the 3-day event, the public is able to have a glimpse of the culture of other races.
Highlights For George Town Heritage Celebration 2019
There are site excursions that you can look forward to for those who have registered. It is rare to witness some of these rituals and ceremonies hence this event is an opportunity that you should not miss out on. Here are the rituals and ceremonies that you can look forward to.
1. State Chinese (Penang) Association
Penang is known for it’s Baba Nyonya heritage. You will be able to witness a Peranakan wedding that will include the traditional dance, the Joget dance. Moreover, you will be able to try dishes from a Tok Panjang feast as well. Don’t forget to put on your ‘Baju Kebaya’ for the Nyonyas and ‘Baju Lokchuan’ for the Babas.
Venue: 13, Jalan Perak, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Date: 6 July 2019
Time: 9 am – 11 am
2. Nattukottai Nagarathar Heritage Society
Venue: 124, Lebuh Penang, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
3. Kapitan Keling Mosque
Kapitan Keling Mosque is one the famous mosques in Penang and if you’re always curious about the interior, there will be a tour around the mosque on this day. You will be able to also learn about Akad Nikah which is an Indian-Muslim solemnization ceremony. Traditional snacks will be given out as well.
Venue: 14, Lebuh Buckingham, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Date: 7 July 2019
Time: 10 am – 12 pm
4. Penang Eurasian Association
Are you interested in learning about a traditional Eurasian wedding? Here’s your chance! There will be a live band who will be performing songs from the golden oldies and rock ‘n’ roll dancing. It’s definitely a party so don’t forget to put on your dancing shoes. Mulligatawny soup and sugee cake will be served.
Venue: 107-A, Jalan Kelawai, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Date: 7 July 2019
Time: 1 pm – 3 pm
5. Gujarati Samaj Penang
Gujarati are people from an ethnic group in Gujarat. You will be able to witness the Gujarati’s traditional wedding customs here. Put on your dancing shoes and learn the traditional dance which is the Raas dance. Of course, not forgetting the true Gujarati meal.
Venue: 41, Jalan Green Hall, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Date: 7 July 2019
Time: 4 pm – 6 pm
6. Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang
Ever wondered how Sikh’s turban is being tied? During this event, you will be able to tour around the gurdwara which is a place of worship for Sikhs. Besides that, you will be able to witness a Sikh boy receives his first turban and this ceremony is called Dastar Bandhi. Don’t worry, you will be able to learn how to tie a turban and a vegetarian meal will be served as well.
Venue: 87, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Date: 8 July 2019
Time: 10 am – 12 pm
7. Nam Hooi Wooi Koon
How about travel back in time when Cantonese opera was a thing? In this event, you will be able to experience Cantonese opera while having some Nam Hooi snacks. This building has such a rich history that not many people know about and it’s time that this knowledge is spread to the younger generation.
Venue: 463, Lebuh Chulia, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Date: 8 July 2019
Time: 4 pm – 6 pm
Unfortunately, all the site excursions are fully booked but don’t worry because there are more exciting things that are happening on the 6th of July as well! There will be various performances at the 2 main stages and they are located at Armenian Park and Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling. These performances are open to the public and no registrations are required so bring your friends and family along to watch these amazing performances.
Additionally, there are various workshops on 6th of July as well. So don’t feel left out since all the site excursions are all fully booked because there are still so many community workshops for you to get involved in. Will you be able to attend all 22 workshops in five hours? That is the challenge but make sure to have fun while learning as well. Don’t just rush into everything because that is not the main point of these events.
Why not put in some exercise during this festive event by cycling around town? Besides burning calories, you will be able to avoid all those traffic jams. Renting a bike will only cost RM 5 when you use the code LinkGTHC19 from June till July! So, what are you waiting for? Hurry to your nearest LinkBike docking station and rent a bike!
If you’re like me and you can’t ride a bike then we have other solutions for you as well. Due to certain roads being closed down for this event, there are various locations for you to park your car then walk to the different venues. Vehicles and/ or any mode of transportations (yes, that includes helicopters as well) are not allowed within the sites of the street festivals. Here are a few suggested carparks:
- Komtar
- Prangin Mall
- 1st Avenue Mall
- Multi-storey carpark @ Jalan Hutton
- Esplanade
- Carnavon Street
- Beach Street
- Kimberley Street
Here are a few reminders from the organizers. While dressing comfortably for this event is important in this hot and humid weather, don’t forget to make sure that it is appropriate for certain religious ceremony as well.
We would like to invite you to join our New Private Community Group! Here you are free to ask questions, share your love for food, and explore the Penang community! We will also regularly post about casual promos and latest findings.
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