KUCHING: As Kuching gears up for the Street Parade 2025, tourists are eagerly anticipating the vibrant performances and dazzling spectacles the event will showcase.
Featuring 2,000 participants from 54 contingents, the parade promises a night of colour, culture and celebration, drawing both locals and visitors to the city’s bustling streets.
The event will see cultural troupes, marching bands and creative floats bringing the streets to life, offering a unique blend of traditional heritage and modern artistry.
Sarawak Tribune met with some of the local and foreign tourists on their expectations and hopes regarding the event.
For Jim Markopoulos, 65, who is from the USA, he came to Kuching as to him, it is an important place for old money and stamps, being the collector himself.
He also finds that Kuching is a lot more organised, stating that it is clean, well-built and well thought-out.
“It’s definitely a big difference compared to other cities in Southeast Asian countries.”
When he learnt that Kuching Street Parade 2025 will be happening on Saturday (Aug 16), Markopoulos stated that he will be looking forward to it.
“I think I’ll stop by, because I was going to the Kuching Waterfront, but I’ll come by and take pictures.
“The trip is important to me, as I am involved in philately, we have to study the history, the culture and everything else to understand it.”
Meanwhile, Musa Jawa Abdullah, 51, opined that the street parade “adalah sangat bagus, meriah dan menghiburkan (very good, lively and entertaining).”
“It is such a rare thing to see such an event happening here, and I hope we can see it every year.
“Most importantly, I feel that the event will be a spectacular one, and among the best we’ve seen in years. And instead of doing nothing, why not come and see the event for yourself?”
Australian Sharon Coyle, 66, on a girls’ trip with two of her best friends, Daniela Scalcon, 67, and Lynne Dedomizio, 66, said they knew there will be a street parade, and are looking forward to it.
“We will be there because we know there will be a lot of performances and fireworks,” said Coyle.
Dedomozio enjoyed the atmosphere of Kuching, stating that the breeze down by the Kuching Waterfront is lovely and cooling.
“And the buildings are all colourful, lots and lots of green colours here, and when you have gorgeous different coloured buildings, it is really pretty.”
Throughout the trip, all three are hoping to buy and explore local arts and craft.
“We like to spend whenever we go to various places, supporting the local artisans and craftspeople, brickmakers and carvers.
“We are hoping to take home some of the souvenirs, and learning about the culture here,” said Dedomozio.
The Kuching Street Parade 2025, will be held at 6pm, with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg expected to attend the parade.
