Chinese New Year in Penang

The actual days around Chinese New Year are very quiet and no events taking place, as it is a family time. A lot of people travel to be with their families as well, so Penang hotels are completely booked and its very crowded. Lots of business and shops are closed for up to a week too.

CNY 2015 is on 19th February.

As stated in an earlier posting, Jade Emperor is really the highlight of that time of year. The Chinese New Year festivities officially last for 15 days, culminating in Chap Goh Mei (there is always a lion dance party on Jalan Alor in Kuala Lumpur on that day). Its actually celebrated as Hokkien New Year as well.

There is a Chinese New Year Culture and Heritage celebration in Penang every year and very well worth attending. Its in the streets of Georgetown heritage area from 3 pm to midnight, culminating in fireworks at the quay. I don't think the dates have been announced for 2015 yet. It is arranged by the Clan Associations in Georgetown. Last year it was over two weekends instead of one. It is always around the 7th day of the New Year depending when the weekend falls

Here is a link to a youtube clip from the 2014 event

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lcsqizMQpk

and a blog; http://www.seehong.info/news/penang-chi … ation-2013