KUCHING: A total of 54 contingents are getting ready to strut their stuff at the Kuching Street Parade 2025 this Saturday (Aug 16).
The parade, held as part of the Kuching Festival 2025 celebrations, carries the theme, ‘Parade of Lights.’
It will feature participants from government and private agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community associations, neighbourhood groups, and institutions of higher learning, each bringing unique presentations of lights, music, dances, and colourful costumes to reflect Sarawak’s rich cultural diversity.
Acting Director of Kuching North City Hall (DBKU), Siti Fatimah Jamail, said the event will not only enliven the city but also serve as a symbol of unity among the state’s multi-racial and multi-religious communities.
“With each contingent bringing its own creativity, the parade will truly capture the spirit of Sarawak’s cultural harmony,” she said at a press conference on road closures for the Kuching Street Parade 2025 here Tuesday (Aug 12).
To facilitate the parade, a total of 16 routes in the city will be closed in stages from Tuesday until Aug 16. On the day of the event, closures will begin at 4pm and continue until the early hours of the next morning.
Roads affected on Aug 16 are Bulatan Sri Aman / Exit from Jalan Padungan, Slip Road to Bulatan Sri Aman from Jalan Ban Hock, Jalan Abell Utara, Jalan Abell / Jalan Petanak traffic lights, Jalan Sungai Padungan, Jalan Padungan traffic lights, Slip Road to Jalan Chan Chin Ann from Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Song Thian Cheok, Jalan Bukit Mata traffic lights, Jalan Borneo, Slip Road to Jalan Main Bazaar at the Jalan Lebuh Wayang / Jalan Main Bazaar traffic lights, SK St. Mary traffic lights, Jalan Temple / Jalan Lebuh Wayang / Jalan Wawasan, Slip Road to Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg from Jalan Main Bazaar / Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Jalan McDougall, Slip Road to Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg from Jalan Satok, and the Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) traffic lights.
Kuching District Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division’s ASP Jekeng Nyadei, said rehearsals have already begun, with the first closure taking place Tuesday from 7pm involving Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg.
“They will continue on Aug 13 and 14 from 6pm, affecting Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Jalan Main Bazaar, Jalan Wayang, Jalan Temple, and Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman,” he said.
The public is advised to arrive early, plan alternative routes, and consider carpooling to ease congestion, especially around Padang Merdeka.
For added convenience, the Darul Hana Bridge and the parking area at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) complex will be open to the public on the day of the parade.
The Kuching Street Parade 2025 is expected to begin at 7pm and will be officiated by Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
