The countdown to the Penang Bon Odori Festival 2024 is on. The event will be held on Saturday July 27 at the Padang Kota Lama from 5pm to 11pm.
A press conference to announce the updates and introduce sponsors was held at Komtar earlier today.
Present was State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai along with representatives of the Japanese Consulate in Penang and other Japanese organizations.
Among the highlights of the festival are the Bon Odori Dance showcase namely the Wadaiko drum performance and the lively Yosakoi Soran dance, Miss Penang Bon Odori 2024 Finals, Special Performances and Appearances namely the Japanese Fisherman Dance and sword demonstrations by Mushinkan, special appearance by Pikachu, Fireworks Display and a live band performance by students from Han Chiang College,
As a run up to the event, Bon Odori Pop-Up Fest will be held at various location in the city. Some of the highlights at the 1st Avenue Mall on July 20 to 21 from 10am to 10pm are the Bon Odori Dance Experience which features a fun dance session where you can learn and practice the traditional Bon Odori dance. Then, there is the Japanese Singing Performances, Origami/Kirigami Workshops, Miss Penang Bon Odori Preliminary Rounds and the Japanese Runway Fashion Show.
The session also introduced their new sponsors, Teleperformance alongside Ideal Property Group and S&D Tama.
According to Wong, these events are more than just celebrations, they are a testament to the unity and cultural diversity that define Penang.
“We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the Penang Bon Odori Festival and Pop-Up Fest”, he added.