The atmosphere in the inner city was festive after an auspicious visit by nine “dragons” including one touted to be the longest in the country during the Federation of Penang Wushu, Lion and Dragon Dance Association’s 39th anniversary celebration.

The 61m (200ft) golden dragon caught the attention of shutterbugs who lined the 2km route to take photographs of the mythical creature.

Federation of Penang Wushu, Lion and Dragon Dance Association chairman Datuk H’ng Ban Choon said the golden dragon was custom-made from China and it took about a month to complete.

“About 40 to 50 dragon troupe members are needed to make the dragon ‘dance’.

“A normal dragon measures 9.1m (30ft) and only requires nine people to manage,” he said yesterday.

The celebration kicked off with the procession from Love Lane to Chulia Street, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, Farquhar Street and Light Street before ending at the Esplanade.

About 100 associations took part in the celebration, including wushu exponents, Silambam performers, stilt walkers, Silat performers, Chingay performers, a school mar­ching band and war drummers.

Also present were Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas, Penang Local Government Traffic Management and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow, Penang Youth and Sports, Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Chong Eng and Wushu Federation of Asia vice-president Datuk Seri Kee Yong Wee.

Source:
courtesy of THE STAR

by CHRISTOPHER TAN

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