In preparation for the Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, 700 mini paper lanterns shaped like hot air balloons line walkways of the Esplanade in Penang, Malaysia. The lanterns are expected to illuminate the sidewalks every night from after 7 pm until midnight and speak to the excitement elicited by the upcoming fiesta.

According to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, the tiny replicas were colored by kindergarten and primary school age children in an effort to display their artistic capabilities. He said, “This path of little balloons is a platform to showcase children’s creativity and a place for the public to enjoy the beauty.”

Another similar installment may be seen at The Butterworth Art walk featuring 400 mini likenesses of hot air balloons.

The hot air balloon festivities will commence on February 24th and 25th which coincides with the ninth and tenth days of the Chinese new year. The festival is the only one of its kind on the island of Malaysia. Per the events web page, not only will visitors be regaled by the site of majestic hot air balloons, there will be family-friendly activities as well as creative workshops plus much more.

Chief Minister Lim has further said that the Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, which was organized by AKA Balloons Sdn Bhd, will feature 15 hot air balloons throughout the course of two days. The festivities will be comprised of balloons owned and operated locally in conjunction with international ballooning pilots and enthusiasts. The fiesta will commence at 7 am and last until 9:30 each evening. Festivities will take place at the Padang Polo grounds, Penang.

Funding for the hot air balloon festival is made possible by local government alongside the Penang Island City Council, Seberang Perai Municipal Council, and Penang Global Tourism.