GEORGE TOWN, Dec 23  — The spirit of the Winter Solstice, commonly known as Dongzhi in Chinese, was evident at the weekly Occupy Beach Street event.

Hundreds of visitors tried their hand at making the traditional colourful glutinuous rice balls (tangyuan), which excited children and foreigners alike.

Thousands of tangyuan were then served as the festival was celebrated yesterday.

Canadian Ashley Kalagian, 30, had a good time making the rice balls served in sesame, honey and chocolate syrup.

“This street event is culturally rich. It allows us to understand the art behind making these traditional desserts,” she said.

The winter solstice festival is an important traditional festival celebrated by the Chinese to mark the arrival of winter. It is also a time when families get together.

The weekly street event also featured a string of fun-filled activities, including the snake-and-ladder board game, knives massage therapy, traditional toy and rattan-making demonstrations.

Many were astounded by the traditional knives massage therapy, which can relieve stress and headaches.

There was also Christmas caroling and a special appearance by Santa Claus to ramp up the atmosphere ahead of the Yuletide celebrations on Wednesday.