Editing George Town, Penang (section)

== Culture ==
=== Arts ===
[[File:Motion And Stillness (243518115).jpeg|thumb|[[Ernest Zacharevic]]'s ''Children on a Bicycle'' at [[Armenian Street, George Town|Armenian Street]]. This mural was featured in ''[[The Guardian]]'''s compilation of graffiti destinations worldwide in 2013.<ref name="Chang-2014">{{Cite journal |last=Chang |first=Shu Fun |date=2014 |title=Street Art Sparkle as a New Economic Driver in Penang |url=http://eprints.usm.my/38640/1/FULL_PAPER_002.pdf |journal=[[Universiti Sains Malaysia]] |access-date=25 December 2023 |archive-date=25 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225055240/http://eprints.usm.my/38640/1/FULL_PAPER_002.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>|alt=A mural depicting two children riding a bicycle.]]
The Penang variant of the [[Chingay parade|Chingay procession]] was introduced in George Town in 1919. It is characterised by the act of balancing gigantic flags on one's head or hands.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McIntyre |first=Ian |date=10 March 2023 |title=New Attractions Await Visitors to Penang |url=https://www.thevibes.com/articles/lifestyles/87457/new-attractions-await-visitors-to-penang |access-date=7 December 2023 |work=The Vibes |archive-date=7 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207181048/https://www.thevibes.com/articles/lifestyles/87457/new-attractions-await-visitors-to-penang |url-status=live }}</ref> Formerly infused with rituals from the Chinese underworld, Chingay parades are now held annually in the city as a tourist attraction by itself and continue to be a major expression of the [[Penangite Chinese|Penang Chinese]] identity.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Daniel Goh |first=P. S. |date=2011 |title=State Carnivals and the Subvention of Multiculturalism in Singapore |url=https://ap5.fas.nus.edu.sg/fass/socgohd/bjos_1347.pdf |journal=[[National University of Singapore]] |access-date=25 December 2023 |archive-date=25 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225054608/https://ap5.fas.nus.edu.sg/fass/socgohd/bjos_1347.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Lo |first=Tern Chern |date=21 December 2023 |title=Penang to Celebrate Chingay Festival on December 23 and 30 |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/12/21/penang-to-celebrate-chingay-festival-on-dec-23-and-30 |access-date=25 December 2023 |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]] |archive-date=25 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225140400/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/12/21/penang-to-celebrate-chingay-festival-on-dec-23-and-30 |url-status=live }}</ref> George Town was also the birthplace of [[Bangsawan]], a form of Malay theatre that incorporates Indian, Western, Islamic, Chinese and Indonesian influences.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hon |first=Yi Wen |date=13 August 2007 |title=Keeping Bangsawan Alive |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/rentakini/71099 |access-date=7 December 2023 |work=[[Malaysiakini]] |archive-date=7 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207180817/https://www.malaysiakini.com/rentakini/71099 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Boria (theatre)|Boria]], another unique form of theatre that features singing accompanied by violin, maracas and [[tabla]], was first performed in the city in the mid-19th century.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Abdul Manan |first=Shakila |date=2016 |title=Boria: Penang's Unique Malay-Islamic Cultural Heritage |url=http://web.usm.my/kajh/vol23_s1_2016/kajh23s12016_02.pdf |journal=[[Universiti Sains Malaysia]] |access-date=25 December 2023 |archive-date=12 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012122542/http://web.usm.my/kajh/vol23_s1_2016/kajh23s12016_02.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

Apart from these, George Town has emerged as a hub for the arts and culture scene in Malaysia. The designation of parts of the [[Central George Town, Penang|city centre]] as a [[Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca#George Town|UNESCO World Heritage Site]] has enhanced cultural and creative industries within the area.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Khoo |first=Suet Leng |date=19 March 2023 |title=Positioning the Creative City Agenda Within Urban Policy Discourse: The Malaysian Scenario |url=http://web.usm.my/km/earlyView/84_KM-OA-08-21-0173.R3.pdf |journal=Journal of Malaysian Studies |via=[[Universiti Sains Malaysia]]}}</ref> Since its inception in 2010, the [[George Town Festival]] is one of the major yearly arts events in [[Southeast Asia]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chen |first=May Yee |date=31 July 2014 |title=Old Colonial City in Malaysia Becomes a Stage |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/01/arts/international/george-town-festival-is-making-its-name-as-major-asian-arts-event.html |access-date=29 November 2017 |website=[[The New York Times]] |archive-date=7 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707124045/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/01/arts/international/george-town-festival-is-making-its-name-as-major-asian-arts-event.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Held annually since 2011, the [[George Town Literary Festival]] won the International Literary Festival Award at the [[London Book Fair]] in 2018, the first such event from Southeast Asia to receive this honour.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ferrarese |first=Marco |date=15 November 2019 |title=Bookworms and Big Ideas Collide at George Town Literary Festival |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Life-Arts/Life/Bookworms-and-big-ideas-collide-at-George-Town-Literary-Festival |access-date=7 December 2023 |work=[[Nikkei, Inc.]] |archive-date=9 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209185953/https://asia.nikkei.com/Life-Arts/Life/Bookworms-and-big-ideas-collide-at-George-Town-Literary-Festival |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2012, Lithuanian artist [[Ernest Zacharevic]] created a series of murals showcasing local culture, inhabitants and lifestyles. The city is also adorned with 52 wrought iron caricatures and 18 wall murals that depict its history and the daily lives of the local community.<ref name="Chang-2014" /> Additionally, art exhibitions are held at event spaces like the [[Hin Bus Depot]] and [[Sia Boey Urban Archaeological Park|Sia Boey]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nicole Chang |date=2017 |title=Hin Bus Depot – Derelict No More |url=http://penangmonthly.com/article.aspx?pageid=7438&name=hin_bus_depot_derelict_no_more |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220034706/http://penangmonthly.com/article.aspx?pageid=7438&name=hin_bus_depot_derelict_no_more |archive-date=20 February 2018 |access-date=27 May 2017 |website=Penang Monthly}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Places |url=https://gtwhi.com.my/our-work/places/ |access-date=8 December 2023 |website=[[George Town World Heritage Incorporated]] |language=en-US |archive-date=8 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208200257/https://gtwhi.com.my/our-work/places/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Cuisine ===
{{Main|Penang cuisine}}

George Town's culinary scene incorporates [[Malay cuisine|Malay]], [[Chinese cuisine|Chinese]], [[Indian cuisine|Indian]], [[Peranakan cuisine|Peranakan]] and [[Thai cuisine|Thai]] influences, evident in the range of available street food that includes [[char kway teow]], [[Laksa|asam laksa]] and [[nasi kandar]].<ref name="Cripps-2017">{{Cite news |last=Cripps |first=Karla |date=13 July 2017 |title=George Town, Penang: Asia's Greatest Street Food City? |url=https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/george-town-penang-greatest-street-food-city/index.html |work=[[CNN]] |access-date=25 December 2023 |archive-date=9 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209064621/https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/george-town-penang-greatest-street-food-city/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Described by ''[[CNN]]'' as "the food capital of Malaysia", the city was also listed by [[Time (magazine)|''Time'']] and ''[[Lonely Planet]]'' as one of the best in Asia for street food.<ref name="Cripps-2017" /><ref name="Fitzpatrick-20042">{{cite magazine |last=Fitzpatrick |first=Liam |date=15 November 2004 |title=Best of Asia – Best Street Food |url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/2004/boa/boa_body_food.html |url-status=dead |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041117003151/http://www.time.com/time/asia/2004/boa/boa_body_food.html |archive-date=17 November 2004 |access-date=3 January 2011}}</ref><ref name="Barton-2014">{{Cite news |last=Barton |first=Robin |date=2 February 2014 |title=Where are the Foodies Going in 2014? |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/where-are-the-foodies-going-in-2014-9094744.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220525/https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/where-are-the-foodies-going-in-2014-9094744.html |archive-date=25 May 2022 |access-date=18 October 2016 |newspaper=[[The Independent]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> According to ''Time'' in 2004, only in the city "could food this good be this cheap".<ref name="Fitzpatrick-20042" /> Robin Barton of the ''Lonely Planet'' described George Town as the "culinary epicentre of the many cultures that arrived after it was set up as a trading port in 1786, from Malays to Indians, Acehenese to Chinese, Burmese to Thais".<ref name="Barton-2014" />

Over the years, the city's culinary scene has expanded to include fine dining establishments, adding to its already diverse array of street food options.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Agatha Wong |date=19 April 2022 |title=How Penang's Fine Dining Scene is Giving its Famous Street Food a Run for Its Money |url=https://cnaluxury.channelnewsasia.com/experiences/penang-best-restaurants-fine-dining-198521 |access-date=8 December 2023 |website=[[Channel News Asia]] |language=en |archive-date=29 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629210925/https://cnaluxury.channelnewsasia.com/experiences/penang-best-restaurants-fine-dining-198521 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McDonnell |first=Sharon |date=8 March 2023 |title=Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Penang, the Malaysian Island State With an Exploding Art Scene |url=https://www.cntraveler.com/story/things-to-do-in-penang |access-date=8 December 2023 |website=[[Condé Nast]] |language=en-US |archive-date=8 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208151206/https://www.cntraveler.com/story/things-to-do-in-penang |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2022, the ''[[Michelin Guide]]'' made its debut in Penang, in recognition of the state's "small-scale restaurants and street food that embodies Malaysia's distinctive streetside dining culture".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brian Cheong, KatelynTan |date=20 October 2022 |title=Michelin Guide Kuala Lumpur and Penang to Debut in December 2022 |url=https://www.tatlerasia.com/dining/the-industry/michelin-guide-malaysia-kuala-lumpur-penang-to-debut-in-december-2022 |access-date=8 December 2023 |website=[[Tatler]] |language=en |archive-date=8 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208151206/https://www.tatlerasia.com/dining/the-industry/michelin-guide-malaysia-kuala-lumpur-penang-to-debut-in-december-2022 |url-status=live }}</ref> The 2025 edition of the ''Michelin Guide'' features 63 eateries throughout the city.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pulau Pinang Michelin Restaurants – the Michelin Guide Malaysia |url=https://guide.michelin.com/my/en/pulau-pinang/restaurants |access-date=8 December 2023 |website=[[MICHELIN Guide]] |language=en-MY |archive-date=8 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208151206/https://guide.michelin.com/my/en/pulau-pinang/restaurants |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Sports ===
[[File:Cmglee Penang SPICE Arena aerial.jpg|alt=Aerial view of a lit-up convention centre at dusk, with high-rises as the backdrop.|thumb|[[Setia SPICE]] at [[Bayan Baru]] is a major venue for [[MICE tourism|business events]].<ref name="Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau" />]]
George Town is home to a variety of sports facilities. The 20,000-seater [[City Stadium, Penang|City Stadium]] serves as the home ground for [[Penang F.C.|Penang FC]], while the [[Setia SPICE]] features an indoor arena and an aquatics centre.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ong |first=K. H. |date=9 February 2023 |title=Penang FC Sets Sight on Top 10 Finish in Super League |url=https://www.buletinmutiara.com/penang-fc-sets-sight-on-top-10-finish-in-super-league/ |access-date=17 December 2023 |work=Buletin Mutiara |archive-date=17 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217100648/https://www.buletinmutiara.com/penang-fc-sets-sight-on-top-10-finish-in-super-league/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=CHRISTOPHER TAN |date=30 January 2016 |title=Spicing Up the Island Aquatic Centre Promises Splashing Fun for Visitors |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/community/2016/01/30/spicing-up-the-island-aquatic-centre-promises-splashing-fun-for-visitors/ |access-date=17 December 2023 |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]] |archive-date=29 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029211511/https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/community/2016/01/30/spicing-up-the-island-aquatic-centre-promises-splashing-fun-for-visitors/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Malaysia's oldest equestrian centre, the [[Penang Turf Club]], is located within the city.<ref name="Hockton-2012" /> Additionally, investments have also been made on dedicated training facilities for badminton and squash.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Filmer |first=Andrea |date=22 November 2022 |title=Fond Memories Bounce Back as Nicol Returns to Basics |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2022/11/22/fond-memories-bounce-back-as-nicol-returns-to-basics |access-date=8 March 2024 |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]] |archive-date=8 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308012534/https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2022/11/22/fond-memories-bounce-back-as-nicol-returns-to-basics |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Dermawan |first=Audrey |date=22 June 2023 |title=Penang Hopes to Safeguard Legacy in Badminton, Says CM |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/06/923091/penang-hopes-safeguard-legacy-badminton-says-cm |access-date=8 March 2024 |work=[[New Straits Times]] |archive-date=5 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305043807/https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/06/923091/penang-hopes-safeguard-legacy-badminton-says-cm |url-status=live }}</ref> George Town has played host to regional and international sports tournaments like the [[2001 SEA Games]], [[2013 Women's World Open Squash Championship]] and [[2018 Asia Pacific Masters Games|Asia's first Masters Games in 2018]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Venues of the Games |url=http://www.kl2001.com/venue1.htm |url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011220213100/http://www.kl2001.com/venue1.htm |archive-date=20 December 2001 |work=[[2001 SEA Games]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Velloo |first=Loganath |date=17 March 2014 |title=Queen Nicol All Set for a Special World Meet |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/squash/2014/03/17/queen-nicol-all-set-for-a-special-world-meet |access-date=25 December 2023 |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]] |archive-date=25 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225141903/https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/squash/2014/03/17/queen-nicol-all-set-for-a-special-world-meet |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1 December 2016 |title=Penang Will Host 2018 First Asia Pacific Masters Games |url=http://www.themalaymailonline.com/sports/article/penang-will-host-2018-first-asia-pacific-masters-games#OAJg2ws2Lc8CPoud.97 |work=[[Malay Mail]] |access-date=25 December 2023 |archive-date=10 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310011523/http://www.themalaymailonline.com/sports/article/penang-will-host-2018-first-asia-pacific-masters-games#OAJg2ws2Lc8CPoud.97 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Some of the more significant annual sporting events in the city include the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival and the [[Penang Bridge International Marathon]]. The Penang International Dragon Boat Festival takes place every December and attracts participants from abroad.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chong |first=Kah Yuan |date=4 December 2017 |title=China Team Awed by Experience at Penang Boat Race |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/12/04/china-team-awed-by-experience-at-penang-boat-race/ |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]] |access-date=25 December 2023 |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428032118/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/12/04/china-team-awed-by-experience-at-penang-boat-race/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Penang Bridge International Marathon is an annual event that has also gained international recognition, attracting over 22,000 participants from 65 countries in 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sekaran |first=R. |date=16 December 2024 |title=First Timer Kenyans Top Penang Bridge Marathon |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/12/16/first-timer-kenyans-top-penang-bridge-marathon |access-date=16 March 2025 |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]]}}</ref>