KUCHING: Farley Kuching was transformed into a cultural hub on Friday night as hundreds gathered for the Carls Harvest Pesta, a four-day celebration of Gawai and Kaamatan that shines a spotlight on the people, creativity and heritage of Sarawak and Sabah.
Running from May 15 to 18, the event is part of Carlsberg Malaysia’s tribute to Borneon pride, under its campaign ‘By Locals, For Locals’.
Guests enjoyed a lively atmosphere filled with native delicacies, traditional music, artisanal crafts, and engaging cultural experiences, all set against a backdrop of vibrant local design and spirited performances.
“Carls Harvest Pesta is more than just an event; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the local communities who are the faces and force behind Sabah and Sarawak.
“Their pride, excitement and passion for their heritage shaped every part of this celebration.
“From promoting the locally designed artist-edition cans to raising the final toast, it is a festival created with the community, for the community, and that’s what makes it so meaningful, and so unmistakably #BestWithCarlsberg,”said Olga Pulyaeva, Marketing Director of Carlsberg Malaysia, in a statement distributed at the event.
At the heart of the celebration are Carlsberg’s artist-edition packaging and the mesmeRICEsing Harvest plates, featuring designs by Sabahan artist, Nelson Lip, and Sarawakian artist, T. Bagak.
Festival-goers entered through a glowing Hop Leaf Arch and were welcomed with an ice-cold Carlsberg, kicking off a night of unique cultural encounters.
The crowd later gathered around the ‘tuak bomb’ ritual, led by a ketua kampung in full ceremonial dress – one of the festival’s most talked-about experiences.
At the buzzing KIA Market, aromas of umai, pansuh and kachangma mingled in the air as visitors browsed handmade crafts, fusion bites, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Creative stations like Resin Rice Art and Shrink Art key-chains offered hands-on fun, while a cocktail workshop featuring tuak-infused Carlsberg Smooth Draught gave guests a taste of traditional-meets-modern mixology.
For social media enthusiasts, the Ruai Longhouse Lounge proved to be a favourite photo spot, styled as a modern tribute to Sarawak’s longhouse culture.
As night fell, the main stage came alive.
Sape-driven band, At Adau, led the way with their signature blend of tradition and innovation.
Powerhouse vocals from Melissa Francis, Ramles Walter and Roxy Ixzy and Lock & Load bring energy and modern flair.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Deputy Minister, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, was also in attendance, making his way through the bustling stalls and warmly engaging with members of the public.
Carls Harvest Pesta continues through May 18, promising more festivities that celebrate not just Gawai and Kaamatan, but also the unity, spirit and pride of Sabah and Sarawak’s communities.
