KUCHING: The vibrant streets of Kuching came alive as more than 90 contingents took part in this year’s Gawai Dayak Parade 2025, marking a resplendent showcase of Sarawak’s cultural heritage and community spirit.
For Tiniyana Duris, 35, it was a moment of deep pride to don the traditional Iban attire as a representative of Anak Borneo Semenanjung (ABS).
“This is my second time joining the Gawai Parade. What makes it different this year is the increased participation, with people from all walks of life and various ethnic backgrounds.
“Wearing the Iban costume was a proud moment for me. I gained so many valuable experiences and witnessed how unique we all are.
“I hope more Sarawakians will not shy away from joining parades like this, especially when invited through associations. This is crucial to preserve our customs and heritage,” she said.
Another enthusiastic participant was Robbia Jarup, 53, who has marched for three consecutive years since 2023.
“This time, we came more prepared, with more elaborate traditional clothing such as the sugu tinggi, tanggu and kain buri.
“Though the sun was scorching and exhausting, I was filled with pride and determination.
“It’s in parades like this that we get to exhibit our beautiful cultural identity and show the strength of unity among Sarawak’s many communities,” she said.
Coming all the way from Batang Ai, Lubok Antu, Sambau Dugat, 48, said the excitement of his past experience in 2024 had motivated him to return with even more spirit.
“Last year was amazing, and that energy has brought me back. Today I’m wearing a gagong and lanjang, with a traditional duku.
“The women in our group are dressed in kain sungkit and kain buri.
“Even though the weather is hot, I’m fully ready. We’ve even brought bottles of water to last the day,” he added.
For Jim Andrew Janggi, 54, representing the Sarawak Indigenous Intellectuals Association (PERANTIS), the parade was about more than just appearances.
It was a celebration of knowledge, memory and cultural restoration.
“This is my third time joining. It’s a beautiful experience where you can see harmony in diversity.
“This year, we showcased women wearing modern traditional kain buri, and some wore the iconic baju gagong. We also brought back Gawai pantun to the public.
“Many of these poetic expressions and chants are disappearing. This programme must continue so that our heritage does not vanish with time,” he reckoned.
As the rhythmic steps of the parade echoed through the city, it became evident that the Gawai Dayak Parade is more than just a festive event.
It is a living testament to Sarawak’s unity in diversity and a heartfelt tribute to cultures worth preserving.
