By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, July 22: Waves of red, yellow, and black swept through the streets of Bau this morning as thousands gathered for the vibrant 722 Sarawak Independence Day Cultural Parade 2025 at Tasik Biru.
Graced by Sabah Deputy Chief Minister I and Borneo Dayak Forum (BDF) president Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan as guest of honour, the event brought together communities from across Sarawak in a stunning display of unity, heritage, and patriotism.
From early morning, the scenic lakeside town came alive with colourful contingents clad in traditional attire, complete with hornbill feathers, intricate beadwork, and warrior gear, marching proudly under the blazing sun while hoisting Sarawak flags high.
As the parade was flagged off, a dramatic release of red, yellow, and black balloons carrying both the Sarawak flag and the historical Rajah Brooke-era flag soared into the sky, symbolising the State’s enduring spirit of self-determination.
Organising chairman Francis James said the parade began and ended at Tasik Biru, looping through Bau town along a 1.6km route and drawing an estimated 1,000 participants.
Joining the walk were cultural contingents, community groups, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and members of the public.
Local leaders and dignitaries also took part, mingling with the crowd and sharing in the lively atmosphere.
Inside the Tasik Biru Food Village, a cultural stage came alive with performances and speeches honouring Sarawak’s historical journey toward independence on July 22, 1963, a date forever etched into the hearts of Sarawakians.
Stalls served local delicacies and cold drinks, while participants in full traditional attire enjoyed and shared laughter, embodying the true spirit of ‘Anak Sarawak’.
Meanwhile, earlier this morning, Sarawak nationalists gathered at Padang Merdeka here for a symbolic flag-raising ceremony and the singing of ‘Fair Land Sarawak’ and the ‘Sarawak Anthem’ in conjunction with Sarawak Independence Day.
The ceremony, led by Sarawak Association for Peoples’ Aspiration (SAPA) president Dominique Ng, called for unity, resilience, and the continued pursuit of Sarawak’s sovereignty.
Following the ceremony, the group proceeded to Bau to join the 722 Sarawak Independence Day Cultural Parade 2025.
Today’s celebration was more than just a parade, it was a powerful expression of identity, resilience and pride in Sarawak’s rich multicultural tapestry, celebrated not just in memory, but in living motion and colour. — DayakDaily
