Penang Bon Odori Festival
Here is Penang, we are never short of both traditional and new celebrations and festivals. We will jump at any change to celebrate, so when the Consulate-General of Japan wishes to host an annual festival here in our very own ‘backyard’ we made this a memorable event for everyone with our friends in the land of the rising sun.
Penang Bon Odori Festival
Date: 20 July 2019
Time: 6pm -11pm
Venue: Esplanade, Penang
We love festivals and while we hardly plan our visits to coincide with local festivals, we usually stumble upon one during our visit to Penang.
Here is a Japanese festival organized by the Consulate-General of Japan, Penang State Tourism Office and Bon Odori Organising Committee.
Even though Bon Odori is not a local tradition; Penangnites and expats alike would descend into Esplanade in celebration of the Japanese festival.
An age old Japanese Buddhist tradition, Bon Odori is celebrated once a year with dance and drums to honour and welcome the return of the spirit of ancestors whom are said to be visiting their families.
There will be live stage performances and games during the festival. You will also find stalls selling local and Japanese food and souvenirs.
It’s a carnival not to be missed especially with fireworks display. Come along to the Queensbay Mall Outdoor Car Park from early to late evening and enjoy a celebration of culture, tradition and colours.
More Photos of the Event
We found some cool shots of the event from Sherwynd Rylan Kessler. Check out his FB Album “Bon Odori 2014”
Not expecting to shoot the performance, kimono or fireworks, just some random performance shots during the 1.5 hours there.
Also more photos from George Town, Penang Tourism FB page with close-ups from Lim Soo Peng.
You can find photos of the drum performance, traditional japanese dances and children out in their best as well as the officiating speech by the Chief Minister here.
Photos Courtesy of Lim Soo Peng