KUCHING: The sixth edition of ‘Pesta Orang Kampung’ at the Sarawak Stadium grounds has set a benchmark for success with its unique cultural concept.
The festival has become a focal point for the local community, featuring over 70 food and drink stalls from various districts in Sarawak.
Participating traders hailed not only from Sarawak but also from Sabah, Brunei, Peninsular Malaysia, and even Thailand.
Many stalls showcased dishes popular on social media, including pistachio kunafa cake, ‘Ais Kepal Onel’, tanghulu, and more.
Adding to the festival’s charm, traders wore classic Malay attire, creating a unique atmosphere that captivated visitors.
Programme manager Roydy Ismail, 36, highlighted Kuching’s role as a key barometer of event success, given its status as Sarawak’s largest city.
“Any event held in Kuching serves as a measure of its effectiveness. If it succeeds here, it is likely to succeed elsewhere,” he said.
Roydy revealed that the three-day festival has already attracted over 12,000 visitors.
The festival also featured various side programmes designed to engage audiences, including classical clothing displays, Malay dance performances, kompang showcases, and a P. Ramlee voice competition.
“This initiative aims to expose the public, particularly the younger generation, to the rich cultural heritage of the past,” he explained.
Many young people today are unfamiliar with traditional culture, so this effort is crucial for its preservation.
Looking ahead, Roydy disclosed plans to expand the festival to other states, including Sabah, potentially after Hari Raya.
“We are planning to bring this festival to Sabah and will hold further discussions to ensure its suitability. Our aim is to provide local Sarawak vendors with opportunities to explore markets beyond the state, acting as a platform for their growth,” he added.
He also encouraged the public to support the festival, which runs from Jan 8 to 12 from 1pm to 11pm at the Sarawak Stadium grounds.
The ‘Pesta Orang Kampung’ is expected to continue in Kota Samarahan at the Aiman Shopping Centre grounds from Jan 21-26.
