Penang Yosakoi Parade returns for another year of cultural dances, Japanese food bazaar, yukata costumes and cosplayers. Expect bigger and better things from this year's parade, so check out our guide for things to expect this Saturday.
Schedule
5pm Esplanade, Padang Kota Lama
While you wait for the main parade to begin, savour the rows of food stalls offering the best of Japanese and Penang cuisines. Food vendors include Hokkaido Cakes & Crepes, East meets West Yakitori, Stick Arts, Tea Tac Toe & Moku Moku, Sushi Rakuten, Poco Gourmet Popcorns and more. Porcine-friendly food like BBQ bacon and pork burger will also be making a comeback this year.
Poco Gourmet Popcorn
6pm Light Street & Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah
Feast your eyes on the beautiful costumes and lively dance moves from the Japanese and local troupes as they take to the streets for the parade of international cosplayers, festive mikoshi carrying and more
8.30pm Esplanade, Padang Kota Lama
More cultural dances to see at this hour as they move the 'outdoor dancefloor' to Esplanade where visitors will be treated to dance performances of Northern and Southern Japan. They'll be attempting the state's first non-stop Japanese dance festival too, so head over to the field and shed those calories. Don't forget to set aside a few minutes for the massive Yagura Tower with live Taiko (Japanese drumming).
10.30pm Esplanade
If dancing isn't your kind of workout, test your strength at the great tug-of-war that is said to measure to two kilometers long. So, bring your gloves if you're feeling competitive or your cheering spirit if you prefer to watch from the sidelines.
11pm Esplanade
Only one lucky visitor will win a pair of return flight tickets to Japan, thanks to Thai Airways. If you're feeling lucky, buy a ticket and drop it in the box placed on the information counter at the event and cross your fingers. Your RM10 ticket comes with a booklet that gives each visitor five lucky chances to win.
Esplanade
Road Closures
Feb 28 (5pm) - Mar 1 (12midnight)
If you're driving, steer clear from Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah (from Jalan Duke - Penang Yacht Club) and Jalan Padang Kota Lama.
Mar 1 (5pm-8pm)
Lebuh Light (from Town Hall to the roundabout) will be closed and traffic will be diverted to Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, Jalan King Edward and Lebuh Pantai.
Parking
Carparks are available at Lebuh Downing, Lebuh Pantai, Lebuh Union, Lebuh Gereja and Tanjung Marina. Avoid Fort Cornwallis and Lebuh Duke carparks as it will be closed to the public.
For more on Penang Yosakoi Parade, see listing.