Vibrant Unity Marks Grand Launch of WAK Festival 2025 at Pengkalan Sapi
KUCHING: The What About Kuching (WAK) Festival 2025 opened with a burst of colours, music, and cultural harmony as people from all walks of life gathered at Pengkalan Sapi for the much-anticipated launch themed “Celebrating Us.”
The evening began with a captivating showcase featuring representatives from Sarawak’s multicultural communities. The Chinese performers opened the night with the powerful beats of the gendang, setting a lively tone that drew cheers from the crowd. Their rhythmic performance paved the way for the Bidayuh and Iban contingents, whose vibrant traditional dances added layers of authenticity and energy to the celebration.
The riverfront scene grew even more enchanting as dragon and lion dancers crossed the Darul Hana Bridge, their movements illuminated by colourful lights and accompanied by applause from spectators who lined both sides of the river. The moment was a striking reflection of Kuching’s rich cultural diversity and its enduring spirit of togetherness.
Following this, Malay performers took the stage with a graceful traditional performance that embodied poise, beauty, and unity. The Iban community then performed a traditional miring ceremony to bless the occasion, followed by the ngajat dance — a powerful display of pride and connection to Sarawak’s ancestral heritage.
Each segment flowed harmoniously into the next, creating a living tapestry of music, movement, and meaning. The night’s performances captured the essence of what WAK stands for — the celebration of Sarawak’s creative heart through collaboration and cultural respect.
As the finale approached, performers from every community stood together under the night sky, symbolising unity in diversity — a message deeply embedded in Sarawak’s identity.
The WAK Festival 2025 will continue throughout October, featuring a wide range of community-driven programmes across Kuching. These include art exhibitions, cultural showcases, and lifestyle events designed to celebrate Sarawak’s creativity, inclusiveness, and sense of belonging.
