IPOH: Everybody’s Birthday 2025 proved once again that the spirit of celebration is unstoppable.
Despite an unexpected light shower midway through the event, more than a thousand guests carried on feasting, cheering, and celebrating under the drizzled skies of Tin Alley.
“You cannot control the weather, but you can control how you celebrate,” seemed to be the mantra of the night as locals, tourists, young and old, came together to honour Renri—the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, also known as everybody’s birthday.
This annual heritage appreciation and prosperity reunion dinner transformed Tin Alley into a stunning cultural showcase. The stage, creatively adorned with bamboo sticks and lion dance heads, paid tribute to Chinese traditions, setting the perfect backdrop for an evening of festivity.
The celebration kicked off with vibrant lion and dragon dance performances, accompanied by the ever-popular God of Prosperity, ushering in good luck and blessings for the Year of the Snake.
One of the most striking moments of the night was the green and black lion dance stepping on a snake, a symbolic act to drive away misfortune for the year ahead.
At the heart of the event was the traditional Giant Yee Sang Toss, where VIPs, organizers, and representatives from various partnering organizations gathered around to lo hei (Cantonese for “tossing up”), lifting their chopsticks high as they threw prosperity into the air.
The grand banquet itself featured a delightful spread of traditional Chinese dishes, emphasizing the joy of sharing food in good company. From Hakka noodles that symbolises longevity, to auspicious seafood specialties, every dish added to the festive atmosphere.
The evening continued with a spectacular lineup of performances celebrating Malaysia’s multicultural heritage. Guests were treated to graceful Chinese fan dances, the rhythmic beats of Orang Asli performances, elegant Malay dances, and the hypnotic melodies of the Indian trumpet and drums.
But the ultimate highlight of the night? Seven real-life snakes, including a magnificent 15-foot Albino Burmese Python, nicknamed the “Golden Snake” for its association with wealth and prosperity, took centre stage in a mesmerizing showcase.
These serpentine guests, brought in by Taiping Zoo and Lost World of Tambun, left audiences in awe as they slithered to the rhythm of a traditional “snake song” played live on an Indian trumpet.
The showcase also featured a snake dance and an educational session by Amjad Khan, the fourth-generation descendant of Malaysia’s legendary “Snake King.”
The night ended on a breathtaking note as fireworks lit up the Ipoh skyline, marking the grand finale of an unforgettable evening.
Tan Kai Leck, the mastermind behind Everybody’s Birthday, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organizing team, partners, and all attendees.
He emphasized that beyond celebrating Renri, the event symbolizes the spirit of “Muhibbah”, reflecting the unity of Ipoh’s culturally diverse community.
From delicious food to mesmerizing performances and an electrifying atmosphere, Everybody’s Birthday 2025 was a testament to the power of tradition, unity, and shared joy.
Rain or shine, Ipoh’s biggest birthday celebration proved that when people come together in the spirit of festivity, nothing can dampen their spirits.
