Ceasar Mandela beats the gong to launch the festival, witnessed by Chua (left), Wong (fourth right) and other guests.
KOTA KINABALU (Jan 25): The annual Chinese New Year Dragon, Unicorn and Lion Dance Festival drew 124 troupes from across Sabah and beyond, attracting large crowds to one of the state’s most recognisable cultural celebrations.
United Sabah Chinese Communities Associations Kota Kinabalu (USCCAKK) president Datuk Susan Wong said the festival has grown into a signature Chinese New Year event after being organised for more than 40 years.
The festival was officiated by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun, representing Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.
In her speech, Wong noted that the Year of the Horse symbolises good luck, wealth and prosperity, and she expressed her wishes for good health, happiness and abundance in the year ahead.
Of the 124 participating dragon, unicorn and lion dance troupes, 40 performances were scheduled for the day due to time constraints, with shows continuing into the evening.
Wong acknowledged that organising such a large-scale event required extensive manpower and substantial funding, particularly as admission was free to the public.
She also expressed appreciation to the Sabah government under the leadership of Hajiji, as well as to the Chinese consul-general, Dr Zhu Xinglong, for their continued support.
Wong added that the festival, which was previously held at Padang Merdeka and later at the Likas Sports Complex, has found a more suitable home at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), where troupes can perform more comfortably in a covered venue.
Meanwhile, USCCAKK deputy president and event organising chairman Datuk Chua Soon Ping said this year’s participants included dragon, unicorn and lion dance troupes from Sabah, as well as a Beijing lion dance troupe.
“Altogether, we have 124 teams. We select based on quality so we can maintain a high standard of performance,” he said, noting that audiences could see unique combinations, such as bamboo dance performed together with lion dance.
“The troupes are very diverse, not only Chinese, but mixed. This shows harmony and how Chinese culture and Sabahan culture move together,” he said, highlighting the festival’s contribution to the tourism sector.
He pointed out that some cultural elements showcased at the festival are unique to Malaysia.
“For example, the 24 drums were invented in Johor and are now performed internationally, including in China. Malaysian lion dance troupes have also become world champions,” he said.
Chua added that the festival plays an important role in cultural sustainability by involving youths, women and the elderly, ensuring that traditional performances are passed on to the next generation.
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