In anticipation of the 2575/2024 Chinese New Year, the festive spirit engulfs Tanjungpinang’s Old Town, with its Imlek Bazaar offering a rich blend of products, culinary delights, and entertainment.

The annual Imlek Bazaar, held from January 12 to February 8, 2024, at Merdeka and Teuku Umar Streets in Tanjungpinang, is inaugurated by the Governor of the Riau Islands, Ansar Ahmad. It is part of the city’s strategic program to revitalize the Old Town area.

The bazaar features 300 stalls this year, an increase from 200 last year, showcasing a variety of products and local cuisine amid a vibrant atmosphere marked by red tents and hundreds of lanterns.

Governor Ansar emphasizes the bazaar as a platform for unity and diversity among the various ethnic and cultural groups in the region, showcasing Kepri as a microcosm of Indonesia’s rich diversity.

Plans are underway to transform the entire Old Town area into a ‘heritage town’ to attract more tourists, mirroring the charm of Jalan Malioboro in Yogyakarta.

Visitors like Rina appreciate the affordable and diverse range of goods and food available, enhancing the shopping experience.

Read More: Bintan Center’s New Culinary Attraction: Food Street Now Open in Tanjungpinang

UMKM participants like Siti see the bazaar as an opportunity to promote their products and have reported increased revenue, acknowledging the government’s efforts in providing facilities and support.

The Imlek Bazaar in Tanjungpinang’s Old Town represents an immersive cultural and culinary experience. This initiative not only preserves and showcases the rich heritage of the region but also promotes local businesses and fosters communal harmony.

Tanjungpinang’s Imlek Bazaar transforms the Old Town into a bustling culinary and cultural hub, with its array of stalls, vibrant decor, and diverse offerings. This annual event symbolizes the region’s commitment to cultural diversity, economic development, and heritage preservation, making it an attractive destination for both local and international tourists.

Source: Seluruh Kepri, JPNN (2024)