Mayor looks forward to attend CNY Festival Jan 19
KOTA KINABALU: The diverse and rich Chinese culture is very much worth exploring, said Mayor Datuk Nordin Siman.
Speaking during a courtesy call by the United Sabah Chinese Communities Association of Kota Kinabalu (USCCAKK) here yesterday, Nordin said, he looked forward to attending the Chinese New Year Dragon, Unicorn and Lion Dance Festival 2019 and Chinese Cultural Village Exhibition organized by the association.
He also approved USCCAKK’s request to put up banners by the roadside near the Likas Sports Complex to promote the event. Both the festival and exhibition will be held at the Likas Sports Complex on January 19 (Saturday).
USCCAKK president Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen said the Chinese New Year Dragon, Unicorn and Lion Dance Festival was an iconic event of the association.
“Every year, we gathered the best dragon, unicorn and lion dance troupes two weeks before the Chinese New Year to perform for the public. It is indeed an exciting way to kick start the festive celebrations,” she said.
Wong added that the association was honoured to invite the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Shafie Apdal, to officiate at the Chinese New Year Dragon, Unicorn and Lion Dance Festival this year.
Meanwhile, she said the Chinese Cultural Village Exhibition would be launched by the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu, Liang Caide.
Wong also urged Kota Kinabalu folks to bring their families along to the all-day celebration on January 19. The Cultural Village Exhibition, which is held from 8 am to 6 pm, features traditional Chinese New Year pastries and renowned teas prepared by the 15 clan associations under USCCAKK.
On top of that, there will be ‘Miss Cheongsam and Mr Tang Suit’ contest among the associations at 10 am.
The 15 participating clan associations are Hokkien, Hakka, Hainan, Sze Yip, Teochew, San Chiang, Kwong Siew, Tai Poo, Lung Yen, Northern Chinese, Foochow, Ann Koai, Eng Choon, Hin Ann and Nam Ann.
The dragon, unicorn and lion dance performances will start at 12 noon to 7 pm. There will also be special appearance by the God of Fortune, luminous dragon dance, 24 drums performance and much more. Admission is free.