Chinese New Year 2015, Chingay at Penang

Chinese New Year 2015 started on Feb 19th, and the last (15th) day was Mar 5th. The 15th day is known as Chap Goh Meh, and is a Hokien festival. Girls throw oranges into the sea and in the hope of finding a life partner.

Chingay is a street parade held in Malaysia and Singapore as part of the Chinese New Year festivities, in celebration with the birthdays of the Chinese deities or the procession of the Goddess of Mercy (Guanyin).

Chingay originated from China, and is now celebrated by the Penang Chinese. It is a street art where the performer balances a giant flag that ranges from 25 to 32 feet (7.6 to 9.8 m) in height and about 60 pounds (27 kg) in weight.

I've seen Chingay in Singapore many years ago but have never seen it in Malaysia. So I was lucky to catch it in Penang during CNY 2015.

Here a man on a bike is trying to 'catch' the flag and balance it.

This man has it balanced on his forehead

These people, mostly girls are having fun dancing