944 dancers from all over the world gather in unity at Kuching Festival’s Mass Folk Dance Display 2024

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By Ashley Sim

KUCHING, Aug 3: A vibrant display of cultural unity and tradition was on full show at the Kuching Festival’s Mass Folk Dance Display 2024, with a total of 944 participants from across Malaysia and beyond.

The event, held tonight at Jubilee Sports Ground here, saw the participation of 55 folk dance groups, including 25 groups from Kuching and 30 groups from various locations outside Kuching, including Simanggang, Lawas, Sri Aman, Sibu, Bintulu, Mukah, Bintangor, Sarikei, Miri, Johor, Singapore, Hong Kong, Butterworth, and Sabah.

Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, who officiated the event on behalf of Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, welcomed all participants and emphasised the importance of their contributions.

“Your presence here today, totalling 944 dedicated folk dance participants, truly enriches our celebration,” he said.

This year’s event marks the 33rd edition of the mass folk dancing display, excluding the pandemic years of 2020, 2021, and 2022.

The mayor went on to highlight the importance of the display in reflecting Sarawak’s cultural tapestry.

“The Mass Folk Dance Display is a beautiful reflection of Sarawak’s cultural tapestry.

“It is heartening to see all the different races coming together to showcase their unique folk dances, embodying the spirit of unity that Kuching City Day and our City of Unity represent,” he noted.

Wee also underscored the health benefits of folk dancing, noting its role in promoting physical exercise and well-being.

“Folk dancing is not only a celebration of our heritage but also an excellent way to promote physical exercise and good health.

“Kuchingites are known for their liveliness, and if the people of Kuching are healthy, our city will be healthy too,” he stated.

Through dance, the mayor emphasised that cultural heritage is preserved while fostering a sense of community and well-being.

“We are truly blessed to live in a society where we can integrate our diverse cultures into dance, symbolising unity and harmony.

“As we look to the future, I express my hope that we can recruit younger dancers and people from all races to continue the beautiful tradition of folk dancing,” Wee added. — DayakDaily

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