KUCHING: The Kuching City Christmas Parade 2024, scheduled for December 7, is poised to deliver a magnificent showcase of faith, culture, festive spirit, and joy, with an anticipated turnout of thousands.
Organised by the Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS) and the Sarawak Evangelical Christian Association (SECA) and hosted by the Methodist Church SCAC, the event will be led by William Ting as the organising chairman.
Elder Ambrose Linang, the secretary-general of ACS, revealed that over 7,000 members from various churches will partake in the parade. He highlighted the participation of a multitude of churches, including the Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Church, Methodist Church SCAC, Methodist Church SIAC, Borneo Evangelical Mission (SIB) Church, Seventh-Day Adventist Church, The Salvation Army, Sarawak Baptist Church, Sarawak Blessed Church, and member churches of SECA like Christ Baptist Church, City Harvest Church, Hope Church Kuching, and GIS Gospel Harvest Kuching.
During a press conference at the ACS Building on December 5, Elder Ambrose emphasised that the Kuching City Christmas Parade 2024 aims to encapsulate the true essence of Christmas with the theme “Peace Be With You,” advocating for unity, goodwill, and inclusivity through acts of kindness and generosity.
“The parade is a reflection of the genuine meaning of Christmas, which embodies blessings, harmony, unity, goodwill, and inclusivity for all in Sarawak.
“This year’s theme, ‘Peace Be With You,’ encapsulates the essence of Christmas in our hearts, spreading joy, peace, and compassion through the kindness and goodwill we share with those around us,” he said.
Participants are encouraged to prepare Christmas gifts to distribute to the public at 8:15 pm during the parade.
The Kuching City Christmas Parade will traverse a picturesque route commencing at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Jubilee Ground, passing through some of the city’s most iconic streets, including Jalan Padungan, Jalan Tun Abdul Rahim (Waterfront), and Lebuh Temple near Harbour View Hotel, before proceeding through Lebuh Wayang (Medan Pelita) and Jalan Tabuan (Borneo Hotel).
The parade will then return via Jalan Ban Hock (Grand Continental Hotel/MBKS flats) and culminate at MBKS Jubilee Ground, covering an estimated 4 kilometres.
Elder Ambrose implores the people of Kuching to celebrate unity, tolerance, and religious acceptance amidst all forms of diversity.
“Let us unite, for strength lies in unity, beauty in diversity. Let us not allow racial divisions and religious extremism to erode the fabric of our society.
“Kuching has always been a city of coexistence, harmony, and vibrant events, and I trust that this Parade will serve as a melting pot of various faiths, cultures, languages, ethnicities, and diversities,” he expressed optimistically.
