The highly anticipated state-level Gawai Dayak Cultural Parade 2024 is set to dazzle spectators on June 15 at the Kuching Waterfront. The event, announced by Opar assemblyman Billy Sujang, will feature 14 elaborately decorated cultural floats.
Highlights of the Parade
Cultural Floats and Beauty Queens
KUCHING (May 14): The Dayak Cultural Foundation will present a float featuring this year’s Dayung Sangon, Kumang, and Keligit, along with the Unduk Ngadau, who will be specially flown in from Sabah. This promises to be a visual feast, celebrating the beauty and cultural heritage of the Dayak community.
Honoring Bujang Berani
Two floats will honor Sarawak’s Bujang Berani, presented by Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) veterans. This tribute is expected to resonate deeply with attendees, highlighting the bravery and contributions of these heroes.
Diverse Community Representation
The Iban and Bidayuh communities will each showcase four floats, while the Kadazan-Dusun community will present one. In total, the parade will feature 110 contingents: 38 from the Iban, 25 from the Bidayuh, seven from the Orang Ulu, and three from the Kadazan-Dusun communities. An additional 12 contingents will come from various ministries.
Parade Logistics and Leadership
To ensure the parade runs smoothly and adheres to the scheduled timing, more marshals have been appointed. SAC Lukas Aket from the Sarawak Police Contingent will lead the marshals, with support from Supt Lim Nee Kon and Joseph Jundy of the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA).
“We don’t want to see a time gap too far that can cause disruption to the timing,” Billy explained.
Dignitaries and Participants
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg will be in attendance, while Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas will lead the parade alongside Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn. The parade will feature a total of 3,300 participants.
Ceremony and Route
A pisien (blessing) ceremony will be held at the Tun Jugah Building, led by Bidayuh Temenggong Atok Derop, about an hour before the parade begins at 2pm. The parade route will start from the Tun Jugah Building and conclude at the main stage at the Kuching Waterfront, spanning 1.3km.
Awards and Entertainment
Selected committee members will judge the contingents, awarding RM10,000 to the best contingent, with RM7,000 and RM5,000 for second and third place, respectively. Additionally, stage performances by local artistes will provide entertainment for the public.