The Night Parade is a spectacular extravaganza of lights and sounds, but most of all it is the occassion for the five temple deities to come out of the Johor Chinese Old Temple and onto the streets of Johor Bahru to bless the inhabitants of this city. The main deity of the temple is Yuan Tian Shang Di (shown right) and he is the last of the five deities to be paraded around the streets.
As the deities move through the crowds, the devotess shout “Heng ah” (prosperity) and “Huat ah” (good fortune), and wardens blow whistles to clear people from in front of the sedans. The deities are accompanied by the clanging of cymbals and banging of drums, so it is a very noisy procession.
There are many dance groups, lion dancers, dragon dancers, flag wavers, and groups I cannot describe in words but you will see in the photos to come. But please note the age range of these participants, as it is vast! There is something for everyone to do here. Similarly, for the crowds there to watch; this is a family affair.
I positioned myself along Jalan Yahya Awal near the highway bridge (Route 188), and then walked north along Jalan Yahya Awal while the procession was stalled on its way south to Jalan Ibrahim. There were plenty of food and drinks stalls along this route, so everyone was catered for. In fact, if you wanted a prime position without too many other people, then stop in front of a stinky tofu stall and you will be OK!
I will present the photos mostly in chronological order. I am sorry they get a little blurred as the night goes on but I hope they will give you an impression of the event anyway. Please take a look at my video to see the Night Parade in action.
This parade was due to continue for many more hours journeying around the city, but I think I saw most of it. This is the third time I have watched the Night Parade and it is always full of new things to see and hear. But for me, it was time to walk home to some air-conditioning to cool down! I do not know how these performers keep going all night in the Malaysian heat, but hats off to them all and thank you for a great show!
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