LAST Saturday evening, the mundane streets of Kuching transformed into a vibrant tapestry of joy and celebration as the Christmas Parade 2024 unfolded, captivating the hearts of thousands.
With an astonishing turnout of around 7,000 participants from the Christian community, the parade embraced a multitude of faiths, showcasing the rich diversity of the Kuching Division Churches such as the Anglican Church, Methodist Church, Roman Catholic Church, Borneo Evangelical Mission (SIB), Seventh-Day Adventist Church, the Christ Baptist Church, City Harvest Church, Hope Church Kuching, and GIS Gospel Harvest Church Kuching as they all came together to create an unforgettable event.
This year’s theme, “Peace Be With You,” beautifully encapsulated the true spirit of Christmas, emphasising unity, goodwill, and inclusivity through acts of kindness, solidarity and generosity that resonate throughout Sarawak.
The parade sprung to life with 11 stunningly decorated floats, each more elaborate and grandeur than the previous year’s event. Crafted by dedicated church groups, these Christmas-themed creations sparkled with colourful lights, illuminating the night and symbolising the hope that shines brightly within the Christian faith.
As the air filled with the harmonious melodies of Christmas carols sung in unison by the church members and members of the public, a cozy nostalgia enveloped the crowd, inviting everyone to sing along—regardless of their religious backgrounds to join in this joyous celebration.
Jointly organised by the Association of Churches Sarawak (ACS) and the Sarawak Evangelical Christian Association (SECA), and splendidly hosted by the Sarawak Chinese Annual Conference (SCAC) Methodist Church, this event was a testament to the power of community and togetherness.
Families, friends, well-wishers, and curious onlookers, including foreign tourists, lined the spirited parade route, which gracefully commence from the Kuching Jubilee Ground through Padungan Street, past the picturesque Kuching Waterfront, along Temple Street, Jalan Ban Hock, and back to Kuching Jubilee Ground. Participants, decked out in eye-catching
costumes and carrying vibrant props, marched in perfect harmony, conveying powerful messages of peace and goodwill.
The excitement intensified as six marching bands from the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades filled the air with lively music, energising the crowd and uplifting the spirits of the parading participants.
The true essence of Christmas shone brightly as gifts and goodies were joyfully distributed to spectators along the parade route, embodying the generosity that defines the season.
Ultimately, the parade stood as a powerful display of unity, racial and religious harmony, and mutual respect among the diverse communities of Sarawak.
It was more than just a festive celebration— it reaffirmed the bonds of friendship that enrich the cultural landscape of this vibrant region, reminding us of the beauty that exists in religious and cultural diversity, and the essence of togetherness that creates love and respect for one another.
