by Anne Das
From vibrant street festivals to captivating cultural showcases, the spirit of Chinese New Year culminated in a grand finale with the Chap Goh Meh Parade in Ipoh. Organised by the Perak Chinese Assembly Hall (PCAH), this event was a testament to the community’s pride in its culture and traditions, attracting thousands of visitors from near and far.
The festivities commence promptly at 7 PM, with the streets of Ipoh Padang already teeming with eager participants and spectators by 6:30 PM. Despite road closures, the community fervently made their way to join the revelry, transforming Ipoh Old town into a spectacle of lights, music, and cultural performances.
As the parade wound its way through Oldtown, the streets came alive with the rhythmic beats of drums, the popping of firecrackers, and the excited cheers of spectators lining the streets.
The Chap Goh Meh Parade was a sight to behold, The parade showcased a rich tapestry of traditions, featuring lantern teams, fairy dancing, lion dancing, and a waist drum troupe, all adorned in colourful traditional Chinese costumes. Their graceful movements, melodious music, and brilliant colours captivated the audience, drawing them into the heart of the celebration
The parade also featured multicultural performances, including many drum ensembles and Chinese orchestras, further adding to the cultural diversity of the event.
One of the parade’s highlights was the Chingay performances, where daring displays mesmerised the crowd. The procession, comprising multiple marching bands, diverse cultural groups, and local business leaders, brought cheer to a crowd of thousands of people
From the spirited rhythm of the drums to the majestic floats adorned with intricate designs, every moment was exciting and left people in awe.
Amidst the festivities, the magnificent hero of the Year, The Dragon, stole the show. This 516-foot-long dragon, manoeuvred by a team of 70 people, weaved through the streets with agility brings in prosperity, and hope for 2024. Its presence brought a sense of awe and wonder, uniting spectators in admiration of the cultural spectacle before them.
The parade was a testament to the unity and inclusivity of Ipoh’s community, with diverse cultural groups, local business leaders, and Perak officials coming together to celebrate. Notably, during the parade, a call to prayer for Muslims prompted a pause in the festivities, exemplifying the respect for diversity and religious harmony in our country.
The Grand Cultural Night and Chap Goh Meh Parade in Ipoh was a resounding success, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate tradition, culture, and community spirit. As one of the largest parades Ipoh has seen in recent years, it is hoped that this event becomes an annual celebration in our city.
