Hotels in Penang welcomed the Year of the Rabbit with energetic lion dance performances in their respective premises.
The hosting of lion dances symbolises bringing good luck and driving away evil spirits in the Chinese tradition.
They are accompanied by huge Chinese drums and cymbals. People often try to reach out to touch the lion’s head which is believed to bring good luck too.
Over at the Amari SPICE Penang, they hosted not one, not two, but eight lion dance troupes at their lobby area.
The thunderous sounds of Chinese drums and cymbals vibrated throughout the lobby area.
Present was general manager Noorazzudin Omar and his management team to usher in the Chinese New Year. This was followed by the lighting of 25ft long firecrackers to ward off evil and bring prosperity.
The Sunway Georgetown and Sunway Seberang Jaya also hosted lion dances at both properties. General manager Prakash Kumaran made a dash to the mainland to attend the lion dance at their property with his team.
Iconic Hotel’s general manager, Kevin Cheah wore his elegant Chinese New Year outfit to welcome the new year at his property. He was joined by several members of his management team too.
Meanwhile, Light Hotel Penang general manager, Raj Kumar was clad in red to bring the Chinese Year blessings. He was joined by their director of sales and marketing, Jessica Chan and their team on the auspicious day.
Coincidentally, the Light Hotel Penang is also celebrating its 8th anniversary today. Congratulations Light Hotel Penang.
The G Hotel Gurney and G Kelawai held their lion dance in the presence of general manager Michael Hanratty and sales director David Soo and their team. Even some of the hotel guests joined in the celebration.
Over at the Spice Arena, Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow held his Chinese New Year open house where some 5,000 people gathered from 2pm till 5pm.
More importantly, the new Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim made his presence to usher-in the New Year.
Anwar made a short speech to herald Penang’s success as a good investment hub while the state government has taken great strides to care for its people.
Earlier in the morning, the Penang Chinese Town Hall celebrated the Chinese New year in the presence of the Governor of Penang Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow along with other state leaders and business community representatives.
