Kota Kinabalu: Participants from across the globe who will be performing at the Sabah International Folklore Festival paraded in the city centre, Tuesday.The parade started from the Community Centre and ended at the City Hall building where Mayor Datuk Abidin Madingkir greeted them.
In his speech he said, the showcase of various cultures from different parts of the world would no doubt enable the people of the State, especially in the city, to enjoy the sensational blend of ethnic dances, as well as musical presentations.
"This festival is not only to celebrate the heritage of different countries but also acts as a platform for cultural exchange," Madingkir said, congratulating the Sabah Cultural Board for organising the festival.
"It is my hope that this festival will continue to be held in Sabah every year and perhaps, with an even bigger number of participating countries," Madingkir said.
Delegates from India, Slovakia, Latvia, Namibia, Taiwan, Belgium, Malaysia, Estonia, China, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Russia, Singapore, Turkey, Thailand, Philippines and Egypt will be performing during the festival this year.
The festival will be held from July 17 to 26 with the Local Folkdance Competition and International Folkdance Competition to be held on July 20 and 21 and July 23 and 24 this year respectively at the Penampang Cultural Centre.
Also present was Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Bolkiah Ismail, Sabah Cultural Board Chairman, Datuk Wences Anggang, City Hall Director General, Datuk Yeo Boon Hai and City Hall Deputy Director General, Joannes Solidau.
