Preserving heritage via oral traditions and expressions

Posted on September 7, 2017 in Events

Words by Phuah Ken Lin and pictures courtesy of GTWHI

A traditional Indian dance dazzling spectators.

Grandmother’s tale with a heritage twist. The 9th anniversary marking the inscription of George Town as an UNESCO World Heritage Site is celebrated from July 7 to 9 with the theme; “Walk the Talk Oral – Traditions and Expressions”.

Activities lined up are set to dazzle spectators with the prominence of folk singing and storytelling not in one, but multiple languages. This multi-lingual approach highlights the state’s multi-ethnic communities.

The event befits the rich cultural melting pot of the city and visitors to the various venues will get to embrace and experience George Town at their finest right in the heritage enclave in the inner city.

Visitors checking out the different spices on sale at a stall.

George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) community outreach officer Lim Chung Wei says visitors would discover the oral traditions and expressions of George Town in deepening their appreciation of the historic city.

“Visitors are able to walk down the memory lane and be entertained by folk songs and nursery rhymes in various languages.

Ritual food cooking class in progress is a hit among visitors to the street fest.

“To make the event more enriching, visitors get their chance to write their names in Gujerati, Jawi, Malayalee, Punjabi, Tamil, Telegu as well as in Chinese or Bahasa Malaysia,” he says.

The main feature of the celebration is the street festival on July 8 from 5pm to 10pm and among the activities lined up are community storytelling, traditional song singing workshop, name writing workshops as well as local and regional performances.

People gathering in a street fest.

A hive of shows such as Boria, Chinese puppet and opera performances as well as traditional dances will be staged at Armenian Park and Cheah/Yap Kongsi from 5pm.

Other activities include an exhibition at Armenian Park, a walkabout tour at various locations and a discovery walk on the trades’ secret of George Town at Chowrasta Market, Lebuh Campbell and Lebuh Chulia, The English commentary tour starts at 10am while the Mandarin one will start one hour earlier at 9am.

For more information, browse www.gtwhi.com.my or visit FB https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeTownCelebrations/ or call +601156585157