Sea goddess Mazu procession bring blessings of peace, protection and prosperity as 27 dazzling floaters illuminate Kuching Waterfront

Ting (fourth right) on a river cruise for the riverine procession of Borneo Mazu Cultural Festival held at Kuching Waterfront on May 9, 2026.

By Dayangku Hidayatul

KUCHING, May 9: Drums thundered, melodies filled the air and 27 brightly decorated floaters carrying the revered Chinese sea goddess Mazu illuminated the Kuching Waterfront tonight, bringing blessings of peace, protection, and prosperity during the Borneo Mazu Cultural Festival.

The vibrant riverine procession saw hundreds gather along the waterfront as the illuminated flotilla sailed from Kuching Waterfront to Bintawa Village before returning to the dock.

One of the dazzling floaters glides along the Sarawak river during the Borneo Mazu Cultural Festival at the Kuching Waterfront on May 9, 2026.

Representing Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Deputy Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Liew described the festival as a meaningful cultural event that places Sarawak on the global map.

“This is not just an event, but a cultural celebration that brings a lot group of arts and believers of Mazu to come to Sarawak,” he told reporters after attending the procession on a river cruise tonight.

He said the Borneo Mazu Cultural Festival, now in its third edition, has the potential to become one of Sarawak’s signature tourism events.

An energetic cultural dance performance by Baby Dream Machine aboard the river cruise during the Borneo Mazu Cultural Festival at Kuching Waterfront on May 9, 2026.

“With events like this, Sarawak becomes better known internationally, especially in places where Mazu culture is deeply respected.

“People who come here for the festival will also experience Sarawak’s many cultures and ethnic communities,” he added.

Mazu, regarded as the patron goddess of seafarers, is widely worshipped in coastal areas across China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. Traditionally, fishermen and sailors pray to Mazu for safety at sea and good fortune.

A theatrical scene of Sichuan Opera face-changing performance unfolds aboard the river cruise during the Borneo Mazu Cultural Festival at Kuching Waterfront on May 9, 2026.

Ting said the practice was also familiar among local fishing communities in Sarawak in earlier times.

Meanwhile, event advisor Sih Hua Tong said the influence of Mazu extends far beyond the Chinese community, especially among seafarers worldwide.

“When early Chinese migrants came to Sarawak, one of the first things they built was a Mazu temple. They brought their beliefs and traditions with them,” he said.

He shared how a former German seafarer once surprised him with his deep knowledge of Mazu.

Beyond religion, Sih said the festival also promotes important spiritual and cultural values such as kindness, charity, and helping those in need.

“In Sarawak, we help one another regardless of race, religion, or culture. These are the values we hope the younger generation will continue to embrace,” he added. — DayakDaily