By ABANG FARID ABANG TAHA
KUCHING: Many local residents and tourists were mesmerised by the performances of the Chung Hua Middle School No 1 Chinese Orchestra during the Chap Goh Mei celebration held at the Godown Amphitheatre, Kuching Waterfront here yesterday.
The celebration was organised by the management of Kuching Waterfront.
Chap Goh Mei in Hokkien means the 15th night of the new year and is celebrated on the 15th and final day of Chinese New Year. This year’s Chap Goh Mei will officially fall on Tuesday, Feb 19.
Present to grace the special event on behalf of the the Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister was the ministry’s secretary Hii Chang Kee.
Hii pointed out that such celebrations allowed to see up close the unity in Sarawak.
“In addition to our yearly signature events such as the world-acclaimed Rainforest World Music Festival and Kuching Waterfront Festival, many interesting events are held in Sarawak in conjunction with the Visit Sarawak Year launched early this year. Sarawak is a place like no other. Our state is beautiful in many ways and one of our attractions is our rich culture,” he said.
“The Kuching Waterfront is host to many major festivals such as Chap Goh Mei, Gawai, Eid Mubarak (Raya) and Christmas.
“At the Godown Amphitheatre, there is always an event every weekend. There are free live musical performances,” he added.
Apart from the Chinese Orchestra performances, the Chap Goh Mei celebration also featured the official launching of the Kuching Waterfront postcard.
At the Godown Amphitheatre, performances available to the public include The Waterfront Night Live on Friday and Saturday nights and the Sunset Performance every Sunday evening.
