Pesta Pulau Pinang, one of Penang’s most anticipated annual festivals, is once again set to captivate visitors with its diverse and exciting attractions. Now in its 58th edition, the festival has grown significantly since its inception in 1966, attracting not only local crowds but also domestic and international tourists.
This year, the festival is extended to 44 days, running from 21st December to 2nd February, strategically aligning with the mid-term school holidays and the year-end school holidays to cater to families. According to Refnaldy Azuardi, the event’s senior manager, this extended period allows families to enjoy a wide range of attractions, including Euro Fun Park rides, entertainment shows, food stalls, informational booths by participating agencies, and various shopping opportunities.
A key highlight of the festival is the Pasar Saloma, a classic-themed market featuring over 60 vendors offering a variety of food, including Malay classic dishes, Thai, and Indonesian delicacies. This market, popular in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, is being featured for the first time in the northern region. Yana Yusoof, the organiser of Pasar Saloma, noted that Penangites will enjoy a gastronomic journey of traditional Malay flavours along with a rich cultural experience and a trip down memory lane.
The festival also boasts a mini petting zoo, which is currently on tour in the country. Alim Jefferi Abdullah Aziz, the operator of the petting zoo, mentioned that about 70 exotic animals such as iguanas, parrots, snakes, and alpacas are on display. The alpaca is expected to be a favourite among visitors, as it is the first time it has been brought to the festival. Entry tickets for the mini petting zoo are priced at RM10 for adults and RM8 for children.
Entertainment remains a central attraction of the festival, with daily concerts featuring renowned artists such as Datuk Ramli Sarip, Datuk Hattan, Zamani, Black Hanifah, Tomok, Haqiem Rusli, Floor 88, Kugiran Masdo, XPDC, and the Senario comedy group. Other activities include the Battle of the Bands, cat exhibitions, silat competitions, muay thai exhibitions, e-sports tournaments, and uniformed body exhibitions.
Thrill-seekers can enjoy the Euro Fun Park, which features rides such as the Vortex, Euro Wheel, Sky Rider, and Daytona. The festival grounds also host over 70 booths by various agencies and vendors selling items, merchandise, and accessories. Refnaldy Azuardi expressed optimism about hitting the target of 500,000 visitors this year, especially given the festive season and school holidays.
The festival is open from 5:30 pm to midnight daily, with tickets priced at RM5 for adults. Admission is free for children aged between six and 12. Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak is set to officially launch Pesta Pulau Pinang on 7th January.
For traders, the festival provides not only a venue to generate income but also a platform to showcase their products, attracting visitors from within and beyond Penang. Aznida Daud Merican, owner of the clothing brand Renda Closet, noted that the response has been overwhelmingly positive, with encouraging sales and plans to introduce their 2025 Raya clothing collection.
The festival’s organising committee has also focused on enhancing the overall experience through landscaping and vibrant, colourful lights, creating Instagram-worthy corners perfect for photos. This attention to detail reflects the committee’s effort to make the festival more enjoyable and visually appealing.
As the festival continues to grow, it remains a significant event in Penang’s cultural calendar, offering something for everyone and contributing to the state’s vibrant tourism sector.
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