Sunday, May 29, 2016

Moderate but impactful Sarawakiana Carnival at Miri fest


MIRI:  The third Sarawakiana Carnival held on May 20 to May 22 here, although held on moderate scale, achieved its target of becoming one of the signature events during the Miri May Fest 2016.

This year’s event was organised by Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Miri in collaboration with Miri City Council (MCC) primarily to create awareness and promote the cultures and heritage of Sarawak, besides commemorating Miri City’s 11th anniversary.

“This culture-based carnival, with informative and entertainment segments thrown into the mix, was a crowd puller attracting some 4,000 visitors.

“It was a great success despite being held on moderate scale, as it was intended for once in five years but due to public request we went ahead with the carnival,” said Sofina Tan, the library’s public relation officer to thesundaypost yesterday.

She said besides public participation in activities and visitors coming to the carnival, equally impressive was the increased awareness among the youths on cultures and traditions.

“For example in the Bermukun for the secondary school category introduced for the first time this year, although only four teams participated, but their skills and enthusiasm in performing were amazing,” she said.

The activities held during the carnival were Knowledge Sharing Session: Behind The Making of Sarawakiana Series – Kedayan’s Makan Tahun by Curtin Sarawak’s lecturer Mawi Taip, exhibition on ‘Memories of Los (Lodge) Miri’, Knowledge Sharing Session: ‘Share the Memories – Los Miri’ by ‘Nembiak Los’ (Los Kid) Jamil Bujang, Traditional Dance Demonstrations by the Ethnics of Sarawak, Movie Marathon for Kids and Ethnic Traditional Food Cooking Demonstration Sessions.

There were competitions held for Bermukun (Sarawak Malay metrical verses and lively dance), children traditional song, Sarawak traditional cooking and dish arrangement as well as the Kedayan traditional game of Kuit.

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