GEORGE TOWN: Some 10,000 people are expected to pack the streets of George Town to attend an upcoming joint open house staged by 22 clan associations in the heritage enclave.
Fun-filled activities such as traditional Chinese cultural shows, workshops as well as exhibitions will spread cheer during first week of the upcoming Year of the Monkey.
A press conference was held to promote the event on Feb 13 by the Penang Chinese Clan Council recently.
The council and event organising chairman Datuk Yeap Beow Chong said the street event would showcase the living heritage of George Town.
"The joint open houses embody the traditional and modern cultural aspects to display a full repertoire of new year vibes," he said.
Among the clan associations staging the event in the heritage enclave are Lebuh Armenian, Lebuh Canon, Lebuh Chulia, Lebuh King. Lebuh Penang, Lebuh Bushop and Lebuh Ah Quee.
Also present at the press conference was Toi Shan Ningyang Hui Kwon president Tan Wee Wah.
Meanwhile, Chinese New Year decorations have been put up in major shopping malls here.
In Queensbay Mall, an elaborate new year decoration in the central atrium depicting a nostalgic floating wet market is a hit among shoppers.
The piece depicts a traditional pier comprising replicas in the form of wooden boats, warehouses and merchandise at a port in old China.
The lunar new year falls on Feb 8.