Thousands brave rain for return of Christmas parade in Kuching
KUCHING: Christians of various denominations gathered by the thousands for the Christmas parade here as it made its triumphant return on Saturday, a er a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Themed ‘God’s Love’, the parade started at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Jubilee Ground and then proceeded to Jalan Padungan, Jalan Tun Abdul Rahim (Waterfront), Lebuh Temple (Harbour View Hotel), Lebuh Wayang (Medan Pelita), Jalan Tabuan (Borneo Hotel), and Jalan Ban Hock (Grand Continental Hotel/MBKS flats), before finishing back at the MBKS Jubilee Ground.
There were a number of road closures, with members of the People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) and the police directing traffic flow to help give way to the parade.
The slight rain, which began at about 5.30pm, did not dampen the spirits of congregants who were well-equipped with umbrellas and raincoats. They began flocking to MBKS Jubilee Recreational Ground as early as 5pm.
Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuching, Most Revd Simon Poh, was among those joining the parade.
As the participants began the parade at around 7pm, the rain became heavier but this did not deter the congregants from spreading the Christmas cheer to bystanders.
Colourful floats could be seen travelling with the parade, including a beautifully-decorated float from the Roman Catholic Church, and a Lego-themed float by Sarawak Blessed Church.
Several congregants were also seen wearing brightly-lit costumes – even their umbrellas were adorned with decorative lights!
Amidst the downpour, the congregants remained in high spirits as they sang Christmas songs and handed out presents and tidbits to children along the roadside.
The parade was organised by the Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS) and Sarawak Ecumenical Christian Association (Seca), and the Methodist Church SCAC as this year’s hosting church.
When contacted Saturday night, ACS secretary-general Ambrose Linang told The Borneo Post that the event was a resounding success a er a twoyear hiatus.
“I trust that all the congregants are looking forward to the return of this parade.
“Although the Christian churches here are sending 5,000 Christians to participate, from what I have witnessed tonight (Dec 3), the turnout was more than that,” he added.
The last Christmas parade was held in 2019. It was not held in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid-19 health restrictions.