Rain no barrier to countdown fiesta

Countdown Fiesta 2020 held at Kuching Waterfront.

The event began on last Sunday, with a rehearsal of numerous musical performances and traditional dances.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah who was present at the event told reporters, “The first day of rehearsal has gone pretty well with the performers enjoying themselves on stage, preparing for the big night today (Dec 31).

“I think on the night itself (New Year’s Eve), if the weather is in our favour, we could expect a crowd of roughly 10,000 here at Kuching Waterfront.”

Rehearsals began at 6.45pm with live performances of well-known songs, performed by Revolution Band and Intan Buskers before making way for the Darul Hana Musical Fountain show.

Despite the rain, the crowd were dazzled and delighted with the daily musical fountain’s colourful show.

After the fountain show, the event carried on with a concert featuring performances by Sarawak Arts Council (MSS) Junior Orchestra and choreographed traditional dances from various cultural ensembles.

See also Producing skilled graduates

Among the artistes who performed at the concert last Sunday were Aden Kundang, Raquel Then and Nurfarahanim Muhammad.

The three-day event from Dec 29 until Dec 31 will be featuring a variety of performances for the people of Kuching and visiting tourists. Upon welcoming the New Year today (Dec 31), there will be a fountain presentation without music at 12.05am, accompanied by the countdown and fireworks display.

(From left) Finkbeiner, Mercer, and Moya during the Countdown Fiesta 2020 last Sunday at Kuching Waterfront. Photo: Allan Jay

Pascal Finkbeiner from Germany when met by reporters last Sunday, expressed that he enjoyed the amazing performances from different cultures.

“I like it, it is great to see the (different) cultures work together and their performances are amazing. It is really a great event here.

“It is my second time here in Sarawak — the reason I am here again is because of the food and culture here. Besides, my partner’s family are locals,” he said.

Following Finkbeiner to witness the Fiesta was his English partner Edwina Mercer and their Spaniard colleague Berta Moya.

Kuching-born Edwina commented that she enjoyed seeing the youths who are able to learn about their unique traditions and performed various traditional dances last Sunday.

“We came here just in time to see them perform. I really like seeing young people learning their traditions. They are amazing.

“The waterfront has been a lively area, and I like the changes made to the waterfront as it has been developed so much since my last visit here, I think the fountain show was amazing,” she said.

Meanwhile, Moya enjoyed the mix of modern and traditional performances on stage that night.

She complimented that it was a great way to keep traditions alive and at the same time making it fun for everyone.

When asked the differences between celebrating New Year’s in Spain and in Kuching, she said, “In Spain, we have to eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight because it brings us good luck.

“For this year, I am excited to celebrate it in Kuching and I cannot wait to find 12 small things to eat later.”