Despite its name, Armenian Street (Lebuh Armenian) was not originally settled by Armenians. It was named after the small Armenian community that once lived there in the early 1800s, who were influential traders and philanthropists in Penang. Interestingly, the famous Eastern & Oriental Hotel was founded by the Armenian Sarkies Brothers, who also established Singapore’s Raffles Hotel.
Today, the street is a UNESCO heritage hotspot known for its murals, cafes, and historic shophouses.
Colorful lanterns adorning Armenian Street during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Armenian Park (in George Town) was transformed into a vibrant lantern wonderland during the Pesta Tanglung Tanjong 2025 Mid-Autumn Festival, with glowing lanterns, floral displays, and colourful arches making it a photogenic hotspot. Visitors flocked to the park with phones ready “selfies” or “wefies”, capturing the festive lights and decorative installations.
The atmosphere combined traditional elements (lanterns, mooncake vibes) with modern street festivity, creating a communal space of warmth, visual delight, and cultural celebration.
Lanterns and a giant figure of the Chinese God of Prosperity welcoming visitors to the street of Love Lane, in conjunction with the Chinese New Year festive season here.
Gurney Plaza shopping mall welcomes the auspicious Year of the Snake this Chinese Lunar New Year with a theme called “The Timeless Reunion”. It features a stunning transformation of its central atrium into a vibrant little town square. Surrounded by beautifully crafted heritage townhouse facades, the festive setup is adorned with colorful lanterns and artificial red cherry blossom trees along with scenes from the festive season, creating a captivating celebration of the new year.
Armenian Park in Penang is beautifully illuminated with 300 traditional lanterns to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. This display, organized by the Kampung Kolam MPKK and supported by local leaders, will run for a month, with the main event scheduled for 15th September. Visitors can enjoy cultural performances, traditional games, workshops, and a lantern parade on the main event day. Penang’s Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow highlighted the festival’s importance, emphasizing its role in fostering community and family bonds.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, originated in ancient China over 3,000 years ago during the Shang dynasty. It celebrates the harvest and the full moon, symbolizing family unity and prosperity. The festival is deeply tied to the legend of Chang’e, the moon goddess. Traditionally, people give thanks for the harvest, enjoy mooncakes, and participate in lantern displays. It usually falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month when the moon is at its brightest.
Located in the heart of George Town, the old Kuan Yin Temple at Kapitan Keling Mosque Street is where age-old Chinese traditions come to life in a kaleidoscope of colors, scents, and sounds. On the first day of the Chinese New Year, this historic temple transforms into a bustling hub of activity as devotees and visitors alike flock to pay homage and seek blessings for the year ahead. Kuan Yin is also known as the Goddess of Mercy.
Discovering the enchanting Armenian Park in George Town, illuminated by charming lanterns and featuring a captivating mascot representing the new lunar year’s Chinese Zodiac animal—the Dragon.
Decorations including lanterns and a statue of the Rabbit welcoming the Year of the Rabbit and Chinese New Year festivities at Armenian Street Park and its surrounding areas. This decorations are also to signify the beginning of Miao Hui (Penang Chinese New Year Celebration), which will last till 28 January 2023. Various streets within the heritage area of George Town will be decorated with lanterns too and there will be events along the one week period.
