Sarawakiana Carnival a crowd-puller
MIRI: The fifth edition of Sarawakiana Carnival ( Karnival Sarawakiana) organised by Pustaka Negeri Sarawak (Pustaka) Miri here which started yesterday has attracted a steady stream of visitors.
The three- day carnival (from April 26-28) which ran from 8am11pm at the library’s premises and compound features various activities such as exhibition and sale of Sarawak handicraft, Sape performance and dance demonstration, workshop on making traditional delicacies, traditional costume competition, singing competition, modern Tangu beads workshop and traditional talent competition.
Pustaka Miri’s public relations officer, Suria Sonia Ahip said apart from these activities, there are also Bermukun ( Sarawak Malay metrical verses and lively dance) competition and booths set up by cottage industry entrepreneurs offering for sale food, products and services.
“The carnival aims to create
The carnival aimed to create greater public awareness of and promote the culture and heritage of Sarawak to prevent them from becoming extinct. Suria Sonia Ahip, Pustaka Miri’s public relations officer
greater public awareness of and promote the culture and heritage of Sarawak to prevent them from becoming extinct,” she said.
Several carnival participants when met gave their thumbs up to Pustaka Miri for giving them the opportunity to be part of the carnival.
“This is an ideal platform especially for local entrepreneurs not only to promote locally made products and services to boost local economy but more importantly our rich cultural heritage.
“This time around I specially made and brought five dolls dressed in traditional costumes from the five main races in Sarawak - Iban, Malay, Orang Ulu, Bidayuh and Melanau, hoping to send a simple but important message on our rich cultural heritage,” said Christi Tiuh, a multi-talented young entrepreneur who recently was placed third in the state-level contemporary traditional dress competition held in Kuching,
Other participants such as Berawan Association Sarawak president Datin Catherine Awing and Maria Giang concurred with Christi.
“Through this carnival we hoped to create greater awareness and appreciation of Berawan’s food and culture,” said Catherine who expressed admiration of other participants in their enthusiasm in ensuring the carnival achieved its objectives.
“Through our bead works and also ‘ kain selampai’ which is now very popular among the locals particularly the Iban community, we hoped to promote especially the ethnic Iban designs in the ‘selampai’,” said Maria who together with her sister Cecilia had sold 30 pieces last month.
Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah officially launched the carnival last night.
Members of the public are invited to come and witness the various events held today and tomorrow. Admission is free.