Author: Will C

Armenian Street Park: 2025 Chinese New Year Decorations

George Town’s heritage enclave is bursting with festive charm for Chinese New Year 2025. Around 2,000 red lanterns now illuminate 12 streets, including 300 in Armenian Street Park, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. These dazzling decorations light up nightly from 7 pm to midnight, bringing the city alive with a festive glow. This Year of Snake also features a cute Snake mascot at the center of the park.

The lanterns were officially unveiled during a special ceremony attended by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and other dignitaries. Adding to the excitement, the annual Miao Hui celebration, themed “Penang Lang, Let’s Celebrate!”, will feature traditional performances like lion dances and Chinese opera, alongside cultural activities such as calligraphy, tea ceremonies, and paper-cutting. The event is expected to attract thousands of visitors, making it a perfect time to experience the rich traditions and lively spirit of George Town.

Penang Street Art (Ernest Zacharevic’s Murals)

Penang’s famous street arts or wall murals by Ernest Zacharevic were recently repainted by the artist himself.

Ernest Zacharevic’s murals usually feel alive, capturing the heart and soul of the streets where they live. Found mostly in Penang, Malaysia, his art brings moments of joy and nostalgia, often featuring children in playful, everyday scenes. What makes his work so special is how it blends with the surroundings—sometimes incorporating real objects like a bicycle or a motorbike, making it feel like the characters could step into our world. His murals tell stories of local culture and life in a way that’s warm, inviting, and unforgettable, turning simple walls into windows of imagination.

For the more murals/arts location, please refer to the map: https://travel2penang.org/2013/11/04/penang-street-art-map-part-1/

Gurney Plaza and Queensbay Mall : Christmas Festive Decorations 2024

The annual year end festive display and decorations inside the major shopping malls in Penang.

Christmas festive display at Gurney Plaza:

Christmas festive display at Queensbay Mall:

Gurney Plaza Mall : Deepavali Festive Decorations 2024

Colorful and beautiful display of Deepavali decorations in Gurney Plaza shopping mall.

Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is the Hindu festival of lights celebrated with joy and togetherness. It signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, inspired by various legends, such as Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana.

In Malaysia, Deepavali is celebrated with vibrant cultural unity, bringing together people from all backgrounds to honor the Hindu festival of lights. Homes and temples are beautifully decorated with oil lamps, kolam (rangoli) designs, and colorful flowers, creating a warm, welcoming ambiance. Early morning prayers and rituals are followed by family gatherings, where traditional sweets like murukku and laddu are shared. Open houses are popular, inviting friends of all backgrounds to partake in festive meals and celebrations. Many communities organize public events and performances, including cultural dances and traditional music, highlighting Malaysia’s rich, multicultural harmony on this joyous occasion.

Queensbay Mall : Deepavali Festive Decorations 2024

Queensbay Mall’s Deepavali Festive Decorations for 2024 capture the vibrant essence of the Festival of Lights with a stunning blend of traditional and modern elements. The theme for this year is The Kaleidoscope of Deepavali.

Penang Street Art (The Kebaya Tailor)

In conjunction with George Town World Heritage Day, Georgetown Heritage and Penang Bazaar have unveiled a tribute mural at Penang Bazaar’s Color Lane. The mural, painted by local artist Vincent Phang, honors Pak Nazaruddin, who devoted 45 years to the Kebaya trade, leaving a lasting legacy in Penang’s cultural landscape.

Pak Nazaruddin’s dedication as a Kebaya merchant is celebrated through this artwork, which not only adds vibrancy to Penang Bazaar but also blends art and history in a meaningful way. The mural pays tribute to his contributions to the local community and highlights Penang’s rich heritage as a cultural hub.

Another art work by the same artist can be found along this alley as well: Link.

Penang Street Art (The Brothers’ Car)

Located at the front facade of 𝗦𝘁 𝗫𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, this art work depicts an old green Morris Minor Saloon (PH 6074) car, which is a replica of the original Brothers’ car from St. Xavier’s Institution. The art work is collaborative effort by Art Director Reggie Lee and artist Tim Teh, both former students of the school.

Purchased in the early 1960s, the car symbolized the Brothers’ legacy, often used for transporting them to various events, including school activities and funerals. After being stolen in 1966, the car was recovered at Love Lane later that year. In the 1980s, it served mainly for errands, driven by Mr. Abdul Majid, the Brothers’ driver. Rediscovered in a scrapyard and restored, the replica was donated by an anonymous alumnus from the class of 2009, honoring the school’s heritage.