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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.
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.
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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