🌊✨ Borneo Mazu Cultural Festival 2026 Highlights ✨🌊

🎉 27 illuminated boats will light up the Sarawak River on May 9 for a stunning procession in honor of the Sea Goddess, Mazu — the highlight of the 3rd Borneo Mazu Cultural Festival 🚤✨

According to Sarawak Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Mazu is believed to protect sailors and fishermen, and was once a real person born in 960 AD in Fujian, China. Though she passed away at just 28, her legacy grew — and she is now worshipped worldwide as a goddess of the sea 🌊🙏

🌏 Mazu celebrations are held annually in coastal regions like China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. In Kuching, the river procession begins around 5:30 PM from Pangkalan Batu, passing iconic landmarks like the Darul Hana Bridge, Salahuddin Bridge, and Kampung Bintawa.

🎆 As night falls, the reflections of the boats on the water will be magical — plus fireworks (pending approval)!

This year’s theme: "Harmony Across the Ocean, Celebrating Shared Blessings" 🤝

Festival advisor Sih Hua Tong shared that participants include 28 temples from Indonesia, plus groups from Batam, Singkawang, Pontianak, Penang, Sabah, Kapit, Daro — and even a temple from China bringing a deity statue! 🏯🇨🇳

📅 The 8-day festival (incense offerings, cultural bazaar, food stalls, health screenings, TCM services, and more) runs from May 3 onwards. The main temple site at Petanak Central Market will serve as the Brief Sojourn Palace — devotees can offer incense there starting noon, May 3.


📌 Save the date 📆May 3,Don’t miss this beautiful night of culture, faith, and community by the river!