Mooncake festival keeps Kuching’s cultural spirit alive

KUCHING: The Kuching Inter-Cultural Mooncake Festival (KIMF) continues to bring communities together while contributing to tourism, entrepreneurship and the creative economy in Sarawak.

Speaking at the opening of the 23rd Kuching Inter-Cultural Mooncake Festival 2026 at Carpenter Street here last night (Sept 15), Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan said the festival had become part of Kuching’s history after more than two decades.

He said the festival’s significance went beyond celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival, as it provided a space for people from different cultural backgrounds to meet, interact and appreciate one another.

Snowdan represented Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at the event.

“The name itself is important — Inter-Cultural. An inter-cultural festival does not simply mean that every culture must have its own booth or performance.

“It means creating a space where cultures meet and people interact. Through interaction, we learn to understand and appreciate one another,” he said.

Snowdan delivering his speech at the 23rd Kuching Inter-Cultural Mooncake Festival.

Snowdan said the festival also showcased Sarawak’s multicultural spirit, with Chinese, Malay, Dayak, Indian and other traders participating alongside one another.

He added that families, young people, senior citizens, Sarawakians and visitors could gather, dine and enjoy cultural performances together throughout the festival.

“This 23rd Kuching Inter-Cultural Mooncake Festival belongs to all of us. That is the Sarawak spirit, and that is what makes Sarawak unique,” he said.

Snowdan said festivals such as KIMF are important to the tourism industry as visitors increasingly sought authentic experiences involving local food, traditions, people and heritage.

He said Kuching’s historic streets, traditional businesses, food, temples, architecture, cultural performances and creative activities provided the ingredients needed to create meaningful experiences for visitors.

“A heritage street without people is only a collection of old buildings. But when communities continue to gather here, when young entrepreneurs bring new ideas, when cultural traditions are performed and visitors are welcomed, heritage becomes alive,” he said.

Snowdan also welcomed the participation of young traders and entrepreneurs in this year’s festival, saying the younger generation should be given opportunities to create, interpret and innovate while preserving traditions.

He said tradition and creativity did not have to oppose each other, adding that evolving traditions could inspire creativity and remain relevant to younger generations.
“This will contribute to our tourism industry, entrepreneurship and the creative economy,” he said.

He also described Kuching as a City of Unity, but stressed that harmony and unity must be continuously nurtured through interaction and shared experiences.

He congratulated the Kuching Old Market Community Association, organising committee, participating associations, traders, performers and volunteers for making the 23rd edition possible.

He said the festival was no longer merely an annual event but had become part of Kuching’s identity.

“The Sarawak government will continue to support initiatives that strengthen our cultural diversity, promote our creative industries and create meaningful experiences for both our people and visitors,” he said.

He later officially declared the 23rd Kuching Inter-Cultural Mooncake Festival 2026 open.

Snowdan (centre) officiating the 23rd Kuching Inter-Cultural Mooncake Festival with a cake-cutting ceremony.