Hokkien New Year in Penang

The Hokkien New Year is celebrated on the ninth day of the new Chinese calendar each year.
The enormous ethnic Chinese Hokkien community in Penang, Malaysia celebrates in grand style.

Offerings of food are laid out to beckon good luck and fortune for the New Year.

Glutinous Turtle Cakes

The main celebration here in Penang took place this year at the Chew Jetty.
Hokkien are predominately boat people and live close to the water. Several family clans have elaborate homes built on the jettys.

We joined thousands of others in the celebrations which began at dusk.
An enormous rainstorm hit just about two hours into the celebration and we took cover in a small open air bar (although covered) called Amigos. The downpour lasted 90 minutes. We made our way back to our guesthouse as the weather cleared and the fireworks began.