Chinese New Year in Kuching
In Kuching, Chinese New Year (CNY) is not just a community festival; it is a city-wide celebration that showcases the unique “Sarawakian” brand of harmony.
Known for its laid-back charm and multi-ethnic integration, Kuching transforms into a sea of red lanterns and the thunderous sound of drums, creating an atmosphere that is both deeply traditional and uniquely inclusive.
Chinese New Year in Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, is a 15-day celebration that marks the beginning of the lunar calendar. While the core tenets of the festival—family reunions and honoring ancestors—remain the same as elsewhere, Kuching’s celebration is distinguished by its “Open House” culture. It is common to see Malays, Dayaks, and Indians visiting their Chinese friends to share in the festivities, making the lunar new year a true reflection of the city’s unity.
A two day public holiday is observed during Chines New Year.
Local Culture & Practices
The “Open House” Tradition
Perhaps the most iconic practice in Kuching is the Open House. During the first few days of CNY, families open their homes to friends and neighbors of all races. Guests are treated to a spread of local snacks and festive dishes. Unlike the more formal celebrations in larger metropolises, Kuching’s open houses are famously casual and warm.
Unique Sarawakian Delicacies
The festive spread in a Kuching home often features items you won’t easily find in Peninsular Malaysia:
- Kek Lapis Sarawak (Sarawak Layer Cake): A must-have on every coffee table. These intricately designed, colorful cakes are a staple of any local celebration.
- Acar Timun with Keropok: Many Kuching Chinese families serve a tangy, sweet pickled cucumber (Acar) paired with crispy fish or prawn crackers.
- Bee Pang: A traditional crispy rice cake that is a nostalgic favorite among locals.
- Yee Sang with a Twist: While the “Prosperity Toss” is common, some locals incorporate Sarawakian ingredients like Umai (traditional Melanau raw fish) or local jungle ferns for a unique flavor.
The “War Zone” Midnight
On New Year’s Eve, as the clock strikes midnight, Kuching undergoes a transformation. The city erupts into a massive, unofficial fireworks display. Because regulations are often more relaxed than in other regions, the skyline is filled with pyrotechnics for nearly an hour, a spectacle locals jokingly refer to as the city entering a “war zone” of joy.
You can check out strategic places to see fireworks in Kuching to admire the view.
Yearly Chinese New Year Major Events
The Carpenter Street & Main Bazaar Festivities
Weeks before the actual New Year, the historic Carpenter Street and Main Bazaar are adorned with thousands of red lanterns. A massive CNY Bazaar is typically held here, where vendors sell everything from traditional clothing and decorative couplets to seasonal snacks like “Love Letters” (Kuih Kapit) and waxed meats.
The Tua Pek Kong Temple Eye-Dotting Ceremony
The Tua Pek Kong Temple, situated at the heart of the city, serves as the focal point for spiritual celebrations. One of the most significant events is the Lion Dance Eye-Dotting Ceremony. Local martial arts associations bring their new lion and dragon heads to the temple to be “awakened” by officials, signaling the start of the performance season.
Lion and Dragon Dance Troupes
Kuching is home to world-class lion dance troupes. From the first day of the New Year, these troupes travel from house to house and business to business. In Kuching, it is not uncommon to see “High Pole” acrobatic performances right in the middle of shopping mall atriums or even on the back of moving lorries during street parades.
The Chap Goh Mei Celebration in Siniawan
The 15th and final day, Chap Goh Mei, is celebrated with extra fervor in Siniawan, an old wooden town just outside Kuching. The town holds a vibrant street parade featuring decorated floats, “Chingay” (flag-balancing) performers, and a final massive lion dance to close out the festive season.
Dress up for CNY
CNY is one of those festivals where wear their Chinese costumes are worn in abundant. If you want to fit in, you can also opt to buy a Samfu or Cheongsam for the celebrations.
Check out events and happenings in Kuching HERE.
