Penang Boria Festival to celebrate culture, unearth new talents
Boria makes a comeback in Penang festival, showcasing tradition and modernity
GEORGE TOWN - The Boria Festival in Penang, scheduled for July 12 to 14, will feature authentic cultural performances and strive to advance the art of boria by bringing together both seasoned and emerging talents from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) deputy director-general Rosnan Nordin said that the festival, which coincides with the Penang Craft Festival at the Seberang Perai Arena Convention Centre near here, also aims to elevate boria performances as a hallmark of Penang’s cultural identity.
"Boria originated from Iran and Egypt in the 19th century and flourished in Penang. What’s interesting about the festival is that it will not only highlight the cultural heritage and its attractions but also create economic opportunities for the local community and Boria performers themselves,” he said while appearing as a guest on Bernama TV’s Apa Khabar Malaysia programme recently.
He added that the festival would feature competitions, discussions, symposiums with key Boria figures, and talent scouting for Boria performers.
Regarding the boria competition, Rosnan said it is divided into two categories: open and children, and so far, 20 boria teams from across the country have registered to participate.
The festival will feature several popular artistes, including Wan Naqiuddin Mohd Najib, popularly known as Naqiu Boboy, who will also join in the festivities alongside a vibrant procession of participants in colourful costumes riding trishaws in the festival area.
"This boria procession has actually been around for a long time, and through this festival, we aim to reintroduce it to the public, particularly the younger generation, so they can understand the true culture of boria,” he said.
Teams interested in participating in the boria competition can contact JKKN Penang at 04-2817791 or visit the JKKN Penang website or Facebook page for more information.
The Boria performance has evolved into a dynamic entertainment genre, blending acting, dance movements, and poetic singing led by a vocalist known as Tukang Karang.
The costumes, music, dialogue, and storyline of these performances are crafted to reflect current issues, making them a popular choice for cultural art and heritage-related events. - BERNAMA
