The Penang Chap Goh Meh Celebration 2026 will take place on March 3, 2026 from 5pm at the Esplanade marking a spectacular finale to the fifteen days of Chinese New Year festivities.
Present to announce the finer details of the celebration was State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai who was accompanied by Penang Global Tourism Chief Executive Officer, Ooi Chok Yan, Dreamz Production director Cheah WY and their team members.
Wong shared that blending traditional customs, artistic performances and modern stage elements, the celebration is expected to draw locals and international visitors to experience Penang’s distinctive and vibrant festive atmosphere.
“As one of Penang’s signature Chinese New Year events, Chap Goh Meh symbolises reunion and completeness while reflecting the state’s rich multicultural charm. This year’s programme features a dynamic line-up ranging from the traditional orange tossing ritual to high pole lion dances, Peranakan cultural showcases and a grand fireworks display, promising a cultural celebration where heritage meets creativity.
“The symbolic orange tossing ceremony will be held at 7pm, where members of the public are invited to participate in this well-loved tradition that embodies blessings and romance. Deeply rooted in local Peranakan heritage, the custom reflects Penang’s historical significance as one of Malaysia’s key centres of Peranakan culture.
“The celebration will also feature a Dondang Sayang float procession and traditional Peranakan dance performances, presenting the musical and artistic heritage of the Baba Nyonya community and offering visitors an immersive cultural experience unique to Penang,” shared Wong at the press conference.
This year’s stage programme promises exciting highlights including:
A double lion high pole performance by Penang’s champion high pole lion dance team showcasing remarkable strength and precision
The iconic Chingay performance symbolising Penang’s cultural heritage and its growing presence on the international stage
A captivating Chinese mask changing performance by Malaysia’s youngest face changing performer Nicky Quan
Two special musical performances by Alice Leow, Global First Runner Up of the World Hokkien Golden Melody Awards, adding a vibrant musical touch to the evening
A cross cultural showcase by Dondang Sayang performers and 1119 Dance Studio blending traditional Baba Nyonya elements with contemporary choreography
An interactive session with DJs from 988 Radio Station who are also the media partners will engage closely with the audience and add festive excitement.
The celebration will culminate in a dazzling fireworks display, bringing the evening to a brilliant and unforgettable close.
Wong also added that Penang is widely recognised as one of the states with the most vibrant Chinese New Year atmosphere in Malaysia.
“From the lighting at Kek Lok Si Temple to the Penang Miao Hui and Pai Thee Kong, the series of festive events forms a complete and immersive cultural experience. Chap Goh Meh is not only the finale of Chinese New Year but also a powerful expression of Penang’s cultural identity. This year, both Penang Island and Seberang Perai have hosted more than 30 medium and large-scale festive events as well as hundreds of community celebrations, bringing tradition closer to the people and attracting more visitors to experience Penang’s unique festive charm.”
He also noted that this year’s Chap Goh Meh coincides with the Ramadan month, reflecting Penang’s multicultural harmony where different cultural celebrations coexist in unity.
The Chap Goh Meh celebration embodies reunion and blessings while symbolising Penang’s continuous progress in cultural and tourism development. Through the integration of traditional rituals, cultural performances and creative programming, the event further strengthens Penang’s position as a leading cultural tourism destination on the international stage.
Meanwhile, guests also stand a chance to receive horse shaped souvenirs while stocks last and the first 300 international tourists will also receive food vouchers too.