KUCHING: It was a hive of activity in the city centre as the Keluarga Malaysia Citrawarna programme kicked off with cultural performances, exhibitions and sales.

       Along the Kuching Waterfront, visitors were entertained by the Sarawak drum festival featuring performances and competitions of traditional drumming and bermukun, a Sarawak Malay dance to lively drum beats.

       A Sarawak gastronomy exhibition is serving up traditional dishes while some other stalls offer delicacies from selected states in Malaysia.

       At Jalan Main Bazaar, which runs parallel to the Waterfront, over 50 craft entrepreneurs are participating in the Sarawak Craft Festival to showcase various handicraft from the state.

       Among them is Shirley Inta Jumin from Sri Aman, who is selling handwoven bead bracelets and necklaces.

       “I learnt the craft of weaving beads from watching YouTube videos,” she said, adding that her pieces ranged from RM8 to RM250.

       More sustenance can be found at the nearby Padang Merdeka where a food bazaar has been set up.

       Padang Merdeka is also the venue for the “Colours of Malaysia” show featuring dances, music and busking from various races.

       Themed the Festival of Cultural Diversity, the four-day programme is held by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry in collaboration with the Sarawak government to promote arts, culture and tourism activities.

       Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is expected to launch the event at its gala night tomorrow.

       Activities lined up for the gala night include a parade of decorated perahu tambang (river sampan), a musical fountain show and fireworks display.

       The event will come to a close with a Malaysian textiles fashion show and sape concert on Sunday night.