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By Marie
Moon
In a world that seems fraught with conflict and cultural and religious
misunderstanding, Malaysia
stands as a beacon of light, an example of how distinct cultures
may live in harmony regardless of race or religion. During the golden
age of the Malacca Sultanate, this visually exciting and tropical
land attracted traders and merchants from all over the world. With
the arrival of gold and silk from China and India, the spiritual
practices of Buddhism and Hinduism were slowly introduced. Arab
traders arriving in Malacca
brought with them the principles and practice of Islam and sometime
later the Portuguese introduced Christianity to this spiritual mingling.
Many of these traders settled in Malaysia, captivated by the beauty
of the land, the plentiful natural resources and the convenient
geographical position. Over time, local traditions and customs were
duly influenced and the resulting inter-cultural marriages brought
forth a new blend of culture; a cosmopolitanism that was distinctively
Malaysian.
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A strong national credo of inclusiveness means that ethnic groups
in Malaysia have been able to maintain their traditions and community
structures and it is this enduring blend of culture and tradition
that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to Malaysia every
year. Today Malaysia’s population of approximately 22 million
people represents a colourful mosaic of Malays, indigenous ethnic
groups, Chinese, Indians and Westerners. In a show of immense patriotism,
Malaysians come together annually to celebrate their unique cultural
heritage in an extravaganza of light and colour called Citrawarna,
or the “Colours of Malaysia” festival.
Held annually since 1999, the festival’s main purpose is to
present a diversified showcase of activities to attract foreign
tourists and stimulate domestic tourism. The festival features exhibitions
that are strongly orientated toward art, culture and cuisine. The
festival will commence on 24 May 2003 until June 22, 2003 with a
spectacular parade at the Merdeka Square in Kuala
Lumpur, a site that is surrounded by some the city’s most
famous landmarks like the majestic Jamek Mosque, the Sultan Abdul
Samad building and the colonial style Selangor Club. The parade
is expected to feature a cast of over 5000 artists performing scenes
from history and legend through song and dance, while modelling
the vibrant costumes of the various races and states. The procession
will launch the festival with a burst of vigour, colour and cultural
charm that will captivate the attention of tourists and Malaysians
alike, however this is only a preface to an exhilarating month-long
schedule of activities and events.
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The Citrawarna Festival will feature presentations of traditional
wedding ceremonies from the different races, displays of artistic
performances from the various states, parades of Malaysian fashion,
shadow play, traditional games and concerts of folk music. Another
highlight of the programme is the ‘bangsawan’ or musical
play, which will demonstrate, in resplendent style, a coronation
ritual and a Royal Wedding ceremony. Gastronomists will be delighted
with the ‘Tastes of Kuala Lumpur’ display, which will
present a tempting array of popular Malaysian dishes and other taste
sensations from the melting pot of national cuisine.
At the craft demonstrations, visitors may observe local craftsmen
deftly producing handicrafts from local raw materials and many of
these handmade items will be on sale at bargain prices. Yet another
interesting exposition will present information and demonstrations
of local traditional medicine and natural therapies.
A number of other traditional events occur concurrently, including
the Dongdang Sayang festival in Malacca, which is a lively performance
of ‘pantun’ or quatrain lyrics, involving the melodic,
often haunting strains of male and female vocalists. The Hari Ka’amataan
and Hari Gawai harvest festivals held in the states of Sabah and
Sarawak are also celebrated with detailed ceremony. These states
hold an open-house policy throughout the festival, where Malaysians
and visitors alike are welcomed into the homes of locals, to not
only witness the goings-on of everyday life, but to experience it
within an atmosphere of celebration.
This carnival of carnivals sees representation from all sectors
of the Malaysian tourism industry. Hotels, tour operators, restaurants
and transport operatives contribute collectively towards a spirit
of festivity making Citrawarna the ultimate manifestation of Malaysian
multiculturalism.
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