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KUCHING – The spirit of cultural unity and reverence lit up the city as the Borneo Mazu Cultural Festival 2025 unfolded with vibrant celebrations and heartfelt prayers. Held from 18 to 21 April at the Petanak Market parking lot, this event marked the birthday of the Holy Mother Mazu, falling on the 23rd day of the third lunar month.
MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng attended the incense offering ceremony as the guest of honour, representing Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian. In his speech, he paid deep respect to Mazu and highlighted her role not only as a guardian of seafarers but as a symbol of compassion and cultural continuity.
“In Borneo, the belief in Mazu is more than a religious tradition—it is the soul of our heritage, a symbol of unity and kindness that lives within us,” he shared during the event.
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The Holy Mother Mazu, originating from Meizhou during the Song Dynasty, is celebrated for her compassion and protection over maritime communities. Her legacy has sailed across oceans and settled deeply into the cultural fabric of Sarawak, especially among the Chinese community.
Over the four-day celebration, the public enjoyed free Chinese medicine clinics, cultural showcases, lion and dragon dance performances, live music, and mobile counter services for health and welfare applications. The festival not only entertained but also served as a platform for community services.
Notable performances included:
- East France Lion Dance Troupe’s high-pole lion dance
- Local music talents like Wen Yuena and Sarawak’s own Zhang Zhenlong
- Sape performances and drumming displays
- Community engagement booths and family-friendly activities
The closing night on 21 April featured the ceremonial return of the Holy Mother to the palace, concluding the festival with a peaceful and respectful finale.
Among the guests were SUPP Kuching Youth Chief and MBKS Councillor Wung Duk Ying, along with SUPP Batu Lintang Branch Chairman Sih Hua Tong and team, underscoring their continued support for cultural preservation and youth involvement.
“SUPP Kuching Youth is proud to stand with the community to ensure our traditions, values, and identity are passed on through active participation,” said Wung Duk Ying.
The Borneo Mazu Cultural Festival was not just a religious ceremony—it was a true celebration of multicultural Sarawak, embracing tolerance, harmony, and shared heritage.