SELANGAU – Thousands of visitors gathered in Selangau Town for the Cultural Parade held as part of the Selangau Carnival 2026, with participating contingents showcasing the cultural traditions and identities of the area’s diverse communities.
Held on July 26, the parade featured participation from the Iban, Malay and Chinese communities, with contingents presenting traditional costumes and elements associated with their respective cultural backgrounds.
The event was officiated by Tamin State Assemblyman, YB Ir. Christopher Gira Sambang.
In his speech, Christopher said programmes such as the cultural parade provide an opportunity to highlight the diversity of Sarawak’s communities while also supporting efforts to preserve local heritage.
He also said such events could contribute to strengthening relationships between communities and supporting local economic activity.
The participation of different ethnic groups in the parade reflected the multicultural character of Selangau.
Traditional attire and cultural displays from the Iban, Malay and Chinese communities provided visitors with an opportunity to observe different aspects of the area’s cultural heritage in one event.
The event also highlighted the importance of mutual respect and cooperation among the different communities living in Selangau.
Cultural activities such as the parade can provide a shared platform for residents to celebrate their respective traditions while taking part in a wider community event.
The large turnout also had an economic impact on local businesses during the carnival.
Visitors from Selangau and other areas contributed to activity among small traders, handicraft sellers and food and beverage operators throughout the event.
The increase in visitors provided local entrepreneurs with an opportunity to promote and sell their products during the carnival.
The cultural parade was one of the activities held as part of the wider Selangau Carnival 2026 programme.
It added a cultural component to the carnival while creating an opportunity for communities to come together and showcase their traditions.
Also attending the event was Acting Selangau District Officer Chua Siong Wei.
Sibu Rural District Council chairman Cr. Sempurai Anak Petrus Ngelai was also present, along with Selangau Carnival 2026 organising chairman Minggu Anak Angga.
Other officials included MDLBS secretary Ng Siang Wei.
Community leaders, councillors, traditional chiefs, house elders and residents from various parts of Selangau also attended the event.
Their presence reflected the involvement of local authorities, community leaders and residents in the carnival activities.
The parade provided an opportunity for local communities to participate directly in the celebration and presentation of cultural heritage.
For visitors, the event offered a chance to experience traditional costumes and cultural identities represented by the participating contingents.
The organisers also positioned the event as a way to strengthen relationships among residents and encourage greater community interaction.
The diversity displayed during the parade was presented as an important part of the social fabric of Selangau and Sarawak more broadly.
Rather than focusing on a single cultural tradition, the programme brought several communities together as part of the same celebration.
The carnival also demonstrated how cultural events can provide opportunities for local businesses while creating spaces for community engagement.
The presence of handicraft entrepreneurs and food and beverage operators added an economic dimension to the gathering.
The Cultural Parade was among the activities that contributed to the Selangau Carnival 2026 programme, combining cultural presentation with community participation.
The event also reinforced the role of local celebrations in maintaining interest in traditional heritage and encouraging younger generations to remain connected to their cultural backgrounds.
The participation of the Iban, Malay and Chinese communities demonstrated the variety of cultural traditions found within Selangau.
The organisers expressed the broader message of the event through the theme, “Cultural Diversity, Joint Strength”.
The Cultural Parade concluded as one of the highlights of the Selangau Carnival 2026, bringing together thousands of visitors, community representatives and local leaders.
Through the event, participants were able to celebrate cultural traditions while sharing the same public space and strengthening community ties.
The programme also provided local businesses with additional exposure during the carnival period.
The Selangau Cultural Parade therefore served as both a cultural showcase and a community gathering, with the participation of different communities reflecting the diversity and shared identity of the area.
