MIRI: A week-long Year of the Horse Carnival has opened here, bringing a surge of cultural performances, festive trading and tourism-driven activity to the city.
Held at the open car park of Boulevard Shopping Mall from Feb 5-14, the carnival features more than 50 booths offering Chinese New Year delicacies, street food and handicrafts.
It runs daily from 5pm to 11pm and is expected to draw more than 25,000 visitors over the festive period.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Chiew Choon Man, officiated at the opening ceremony on Feb 7, describing the carnival as a timely revival of festive energy in the city.
“It is wonderful to see such a lively and joyous atmosphere. Chinese New Year in Miri should be boisterous and full of joy,” he said, adding that the celebrations reflected the spirit of unity and shared cultural heritage among Sarawakians.
Chiew, who is the Member of Parliament for Miri, said vibrant community-led events were critical as Malaysia welcomes Visit Malaysia 2026.
He noted that cultural carnivals such as this played a strategic role in attracting both domestic and international visitors while strengthening Miri’s profile as a culturally rich and welcoming city.
“We want tourists to see it not just as a gateway city, but as a destination with strong cultural identity, warm hospitality and a dynamic calendar of events,” he said, adding that he would work with more organisations to develop similar initiatives.
Chiew also said tourism growth was essential to strengthening Miri’s economy, particularly in supporting local traders, performers and small businesses.
Each night of the carnival will feature themed cultural performances, including an estimated 60 lion dance troupes throughout the week, alongside dragon dances, traditional Chinese performances and Sarawakian cultural showcases such as the Iban Ngajat and the Bidayuh bamboo dance.
Organisers said the carnival was designed not only to celebrate Chinese New Year but also to highlight Sarawak’s multicultural identity, positioning Miri as a city where diverse traditions are celebrated openly and inclusively.
