page_title: Esplanade, Penang
section_title: Activities
hierarchical_section_title: Esplanade, Penang / Activities
caption_attribution_description: English: United Bears in Georgetown, Penang (Malaysia) Deutsch: United Bears in Georgetown, Penang (Malaysia)
context_page_description: The Esplanade is a waterfront location in the heart of George Town, Penang, Malaysia. It covers the field adjacent to Fort Cornwallis, known locally as the Padang, and the seaside promenade along the edge of the field. The Penang City Hall faces the Padang and the Cenotaph of Penang is also located along the promenade.
  The Esplanade was the site of a significant event in Penang's history; it was here where Captain Francis Light, the founder of George Town, first landed on 17 July 1786. Upon claiming possession of Penang Island, for the British Empire, the Esplanade became the first area to be cleared by Light, while Fort Cornwallis was constructed immediately east of the clearing.
  The cleared field was then used as a military parade ground, prior to its recreational and sports use beginning in the mid-19th century. The planned layout of the Padang is similar to that of the Padang in Singapore and Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur. the Esplanade is currently is a major venue for celebrations and cultural activities in Penang.
context_section_description: The cleared field was then used as a military parade ground, prior to its recreational and sports use beginning in the mid-19th century. 
  Today, the Esplanade is a major venue for celebrations and cultural performances, such as the anniversary of George Town's inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bon Odori (a Japanese cultural festival) and Chap Goh Meh (the last day of the Chinese New Year). A portion of the Esplanade has also been converted into a Speakers' Corner, the first of its kind in Malaysia.
  In addition, every first Saturday of the month, the 'Esplanade in Action' cultural performances are held at the Esplanade, featuring the various cultures of Penang. A night market also opens at the Esplanade every Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 5pm and midnight.
  Another landmark within the Esplanade is the Cenotaph, which was originally built in honour of Allied personnel who lost their lives during World War I. The Remembrance Day commemorations are held annually at the Cenotaph to honour not just the Allied personnel of World War I, but also those who were killed during World War II, the Malayan Emergency and the Indonesian Confrontation.
caption: Artwork displayed at Penang’s Esplanade, in front of the Town Hall: In 2016 the United Buddy Bears exhibition attracted 1 million visitors.
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