Samarahan Christmas Parade draws more than 1,000 participants

KOTA SAMARAHAN (Dec 7): More than 1,000 participants joined the Samarahan Christmas Parade on Sunday, an event made possible through close cooperation between the organisers and the Kota Samarahan District Police Headquarters (IPD).

Organised by the Association of Churches in Sarawak Samarahan Branch (ACSSB), organising chairman Rev Daniel Kion said the main focus of the parade was to unite Christians during the festive season regardless of denomination.

“This year’s host is the Kota Samarahan Baptist Church. The event, held to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, serves as a celebration of love, grace, and unity among people from all walks of life,” he told reporters ahead of the parade at St Francis’ Church here.

Participating churches included the Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Church, Methodist Church, Borneo Evangelical Mission (SIB) Church, Seventh-day Adventist Church, Kota Samarahan Baptist Church, Gereja Presbyterian Malaysia, and the Sarawak Reformed Presbyterian Church.

The parade began at 6pm at St Francis’ Church with a worship service. Participants then marched along the main road, Jalan Dato Mohd Musa, towards Farley Kota Samarahan, which served as the parade’s collaboration partner.

The celebration continued at Farley with a lively Christmas programme from 8pm, featuring music, community fellowship, and festive cheer.

The parade also featured one float, five decorated four-wheel-drive vehicles, and one decorated lorry.

“It is important for us to remember the birth of Jesus Christ. All Christian groups, with one heart, one mind, and one faith, come together to share the good news of His birth here in Kota Samarahan,” Daniel said.