Date: 18th Dec 2010

Time: 7pm to 11pm

Location: Esplanade, Penang 

 

Come and witness this stunning competition by the best Chingay masters. It is a competition of balancing giant flags with outstanding acrobatic stunts.
 

Today, Penang is proud and grateful to have an act as unique and skillful as Chingay which has now become the ultimate signature act of Penang and also a main tourist attraction. Chingay, which is also known as a “Giant Flag Procession”, first originated from Penang in the early 19th century. Towering between 32ft to 35ft, the beauty of this act lies in its triangular flags which measures 25ft by 18ft with its flag pole made up of bamboo, making this giant flag the trademark of Penang's Chingay.

Chingay here in Penang is carried out by flag bearers who demonstrate their capabilities of balancing the giant flags. These giant flags are effortlessly thrown up into mid-air and balanced by the flag bearers creating suspense and awe for the audience who watches on in amazement and drawn breaths as the balancing of the gigantic and colourful triangular flags defy the motions of the wind while remaining upright either on one's forehead, teeth or a finger for mere seconds – causing plenty of anticipation. Chingay is not only an act but also an art taken on by people of our different Malaysian races and of all ages. This act delights the hearts of many – young and old. The act usually ends with a thunderous amount of applause and much praise for the flag bearer's victory. Though, it is a difficult task, a performance of great feat, only made fruitful with a lot of hard work and long hours of practices.