KUALA TERENGGANU: For almost a week, tourists joined the Chinese community in Terengganu to usher in the lunar New Year’s ‘Year of the Dog’ with a host of traditional and cultural events.
The east coast peninsula city’s Chinatown at Kampung Cina was abuzz with cultural performances, dances and songs since last Saturday and will culminate tomorrow in conjunction with Valentine’s Day.
Terengganu Chinese Assembly Hall (TCAH) president Tan Beng San said the run-up to the Chinese New Year kicked off with a national-level Chinese singing competition at the SJK (C) Chung Hwa Wei Sin last Friday.
“Thirteen singers from all over the country pitted their skills to entertain the 1,000-odd guests at a sumptuous gala dinner, which was accompanied by colourful and vibrant dances and the tossing of the traditional loh sang,” said Tan, a prominent surveyor.
The dinner and luncheon were special, as it honoured thousands of workers from various clans, guilds and associations within the Chinese community.
“The ‘taikos’ (bosses) sponsored the tickets for their workers by purchasing dinner tables for them, in appreciation of the services of their employees,” said Tan.
This was followed up the next day with a birthday luncheon hosted by Kuala Terengganu Umno chief Datuk Sabri Alwi for the elderly and working class Chinese, who were presented with ang pows at the TCAH premises in Jalan Bukit Kecil.
“The luncheon was in appreciation of the services of the senior citizens to the community and to let them know that they are not a forgotten lot,” said Tan.
The Chinese New Year (CNY) countdown carnival in Jalan Kampung Cina, resplendent with music, dance, food and entertainment, was a hit with the ‘Visit Beautiful Terengganu’ calendar.
Tan said the CNY countdown carnival had gained popularity since its inception five years ago.
CNY countdown carnival organising chairman Steven Teo said a host of events has been lined up, including a ‘Miss Chinatown’ beauty pageant and a singing contest.
“Each night will see performances by various groups, including the SJK (C) Chung Hwa Wei Sin alumni, primary and secondary students, and the ethnic Kwantung, Teochew, Hainan, Hokkien, Chin Kang groups, followed by our own association members and MCA senior citizens,” said Teo.
He added that Jalan Kampung Cina was adorned with specially-lit lanterns to symbolise prosperity and good fortune for the business community.
Twenty business premises in Jalan Kampung Cina also took part ina contest for the ‘Best decorated shop’. The celebrations will culminate with the state-level open house on Friday.