Make plans for Saturday, October 9th and the next procession

Welcome to the Ninth Moon and the Nine Emperor Gods Festival!! The vendors are set up, the street food is fresh and delicious, the opera troupe is in place and the scene at the temple is smoky, smoky, smoky. Let’s have fun!

I apologize for the misinformation about the start of the Chinese Opera at the Nine Emperor Gods Festival in Ampang. I guess that’s why this is the “Almost Official” Guide. I was told (and reconfirmed) that the opera started on Friday. It was strange, but my gut was telling me that they would perform on Thursday evening, and they did. Not to worry, it wasn’t a big special show and they will perform everyday from now until Day 9 (October 16th) at 2pm and 8pm. October 8th (that’s today right now) at 10AM a few members of the opera troupe will ceremoniously pay their respects to the gods in the temple. Should be colorful, if nothing else.

The festival has really picked up in the past day. There should be big crowds there over the weekend, especially in the evening and again on Saturday, October 9th. The procession leaves at 7pm from the temple. They will walk out to Jalan Ampang and everyone will stop and take a break. A truck carrying the mediums and trance masters and a few members of the committee will head off to the river to get the “Finance Minister”. There is a fun party atmosphere while everyone waits and good photo ops for those always looking for such things. Upon the return of the truck with the with the Minister, the procession of floats and lions and dragons will turn around and head back through the main street of Pekan Ampang to the temple. It’s usually a smaller procession than the one to receive the Emperor but it always creates a good atmosphere.

More later. Hope to see you there.