By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Sept 10: “So far, we have not seen any ‘tuak’ mooncake,” says Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng in hopes of seeing more cross-culture fusion foods in Sarawak.
Besides traditional mooncakes with lotus and red bean paste fillings and modern flavours such as green tea, coffee, and durian, he said he would love to see how the Malays and the Dayak reinvent mooncakes.
“I hope to see more cultural exchange. They can use other ways (to make mooncakes). (I wish to see) how the Malays or Bidayuh use their ingredients to make mooncakes. This is creativity,” he said.
Wee also encouraged the organisation of more cultural activities to feature every ethnic group’s tradition, history, and lifestyle, as Sarawak has over 27 ethnic groups.
“There is no point in keeping your culture only to yourself. Instead, put it forward so that more people can understand and be proud of your culture.
“That’s how we in Sarawak can maintain our unity until today,” he said when officiating at the ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ creative market at South Villa here today.
‘Fly Me to the Moon’ is a Mid-Autumn Festival celebration co-organised by Sarawak Creative Arts and Cultural Association (SCACA) and Free & Easy Chinese Calligraphy Association.
It entwines tradition and creativity with activities including traditional Chinese arts and performances, installation art, lantern riddles, creative market, workshops, lantern parade, family activities, sharing space, treasure hunt and more.
Also present for the afternoon event were SCACA chairman Chai Kit Siang, Free & Easy Chinese Calligraphy Association chairman Liew Boon Poh, Tay Motors Sdn Bhd director Aaron Tay, and Sin Chew Daily Sarawak general manager Chung Hon Sin.
At South Villa, several stalls sold mooncakes, local delicacies, handmade soaps, books, and souvenirs. But the fun does not end there, the festival extends across the Tan Sri Datuk William Tan Road to MBKS’ Palmarium Garden.
The garden has lantern riddles, tea ceremonies, treasure hunts, oriental music, food tasting, and the iconic moon art awaiting the crowd.
Special bamboo bridges have been erected across the rivers so the public can access both sites. — DayakDaily
