With a deft lift of the foot, a flag pole ‘flies’ high into the air and lands neatly on the forehead of a waiting member of the troupe, who tilts his head back and stretches his arms out for balance. Moving back and forth, he keeps the pole standing erect for several minutes while the crowd cheers. All eyes are on the pole: a sturdy contraption made from joining several bamboo sticks. Tied to this is a large triangular flag made from a soft, gauze fabric that flutters in the breeze. The flag is that of the state of Penang, Malaysia and the spectacle in question is Chingay, a unique street performance that has been an integral part of the island state’s cultural identity for generations – the Penang Chingay Association celebrates its 109th anniversary this year.

A must during Chinese New Year, Chingay can also be viewed during other Chinese festivals, special occasions and state functions. A typical performance involves 15 members – of all ages and cultural backgrounds – who use two poles to entertain the crowds. The poles measure between 7.6 meters and 9.8 meters, and when attached with the flag and balanced in the air, could weigh up to 27kgs each! Yet, watching the troupe toss them around with effortless dexterity, one would think that they are mere featherweights, especially when a member as young as 10 appears to make light work of it. But if you take a close look at the faces of the players, you realize how much effort goes into even the simplest action.

With the colorful flags and outfits, acrobatic displays and accompanying traditional Chinese music, every Chingay procession is inevitably a feast for the eyes and ears. No matter how many times one watches the troupes perform, their balancing acts never fail to impress.

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