BAU – Thousands flocked to the Chap Goh Mei celebration in the Bau district earlier this week (3 March 2026), which serves as the concluding event of Chinese New Year celebrations and also commemorates the 206th anniversary of Bau’s founding.
The event’s biggest highlight was a colourful parade of 106 contingents. Crowds lined the streets as their colourful procession made its way through Bau town, starting from the Bong Lo Tsian Tse Temple, a distance of three kilometres (3 km).
Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, Tasik Biru State Assemblyman and Sarawak Deputy Minister of Transport (Rivers and Marine), attended the event. He noted that the celebration, which carried profound significance and united communities while preserving cultural heritage, must always be fiercely fought for.
“The significance of this year’s event lies in its unifying effort between races and preservation of the local community’s cultural treasures,” he added.
Chap Goh Mei, or “Lantern Festival”, is traditionally the fifteenth and last day of the Lunar New Year. In Sarawak, the festivities have transformed into a grand cultural affair that incorporates both conventional customs and modern celebrations. Bau’s parade featured lion dances, lantern displays and performances that represented the district’s multicultural identity.
In a statement, organisers said the festival has since 2004 served not just as “a showcase of culture” but also as an embodiment of harmony across races and generations. The attending groups showed the district’s focus on inclusivity and community spirit.
This year’s event was made more historical due to the 206th anniversary of Bau. With a diverse culture and extensive mining history, Bau has perennially become the centre for community gatherings. The Chap Goh Mei parade was not only a festive affair but also a memorial to the area’s lasting heritage.
The businesses and organisations of the local community also had a part to play in making sure that the festivity was fresh, as well as successfully set up. Visitors lauded the performance for producing a vibrant show but also opportunities to experience Sarawak’s richness in cultural heritage.
Officials said the parade was successful because of the unity in the Bau district. The 2026 Chap Goh Mei celebration brought together tradition, community involvement, and historical memorialisation.
