By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Jan 7: Padungan is set to come alive nightly from Feb 6 to 15 when the Padungan Chinese New Year Street Festival 2026 transforms the century-old heritage street into a vibrant 10-day “Grand Reunion”, hosting more than 100 vendors alongside daily cultural performances aimed at breathing new life into one of Kuching’s oldest trading areas.
The festival, stretching one side along Padungan Street from the Ambank Carpark which will serve as the main stage, will see the road closed daily after 5pm to allow for the safe setup of stalls, performances and public movement.
Padungan Merchant Association chairman Cr Eric Tay said the event was carefully planned in close coordination with relevant authorities to ensure proper traffic control, resident access and emergency arrangements, while appealing for public understanding during the temporary closures.
“This event is not just a food fair. Yes, food is important — but Padungan is more than food. The festival is designed to showcase culture, arts, local craftsmanship and homegrown artisan products that reflect the true soul of Padungan as a living heritage street,” he told a press conference at a restaurant in Padungan today.
Tay noted that Padungan, which dates back over 100 years, was built by generations of traders, families and communities, adding that the initiative aims to revive the street with purpose by increasing footfall for small businesses and reconnecting younger generations with its history.
He added that the festival is also about economic activation, creating opportunities for merchants, youths, creative workers and local entrepreneurs, while emphasising that it is a community-driven effort involving cooperation between merchants, organisers, artists and the public sector.
“Padungan does not belong to one group — it belongs to everyone who values heritage, local culture and shared prosperity,” he said, inviting the public to experience and support the historic street.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng described Padungan as the heart of Kuching South, recalling its once lively past and the fond memories many locals associate with the area.
He said while street food has taken root and there were past attempts to introduce night markets, they were not sustained, making the Padungan Chinese New Year Reunion Street Festival 2026 a timely and positive initiative.
“When the Padungan Merchant Association approached me, I thought it was a good idea. You have to start somewhere, then we can see the response and carry on the night market concept,” he said.
Wee stressed that community participation is key to ensuring the sustainability of such initiatives, assuring that MBKS will continue to play its role in supporting efforts to revitalise Padungan as a destination not only for locals but also for tourists.
He noted Padungan’s strategic location near Kuching’s “golden triangle” of five-star hotels and highlighted its potential, joking that the area was once dubbed “China Street” but closed too early at night.
“With Kuching’s status as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and our role leading the Creative City for Gastronomy in the Asia Pacific, Padungan is a good place to concentrate on food,” he said, adding that the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had also acknowledged Padungan’s growing nighttime activity and traffic, prompting a review of its decorative elements.
Acknowledging the temporary inconvenience caused by partial street closures, Wee said such sacrifices are often necessary before reaping long-term benefits, expressing hope that Padungan will thrive into the night and truly earn its reputation as Sarawak’s Chinatown.
Organising chairperson Joey Wee said the festival is inspired by the spirit of Chinese New Year — reunion — and aims to rekindle cherished memories associated with Padungan.
“This is not just a market, but a festival to gather people. It is a celebration of culture and shared memories,” she said.
With more than 100 curated vendors, daily cultural performances and local artisans, she said the festival is designed to welcome both locals and visitors, fostering a sense of connection and belonging.
A photography competition will also be organised in collaboration with the Photo Art Society during the festival.
Joey emphasised that such an event is only possible through unity, thanking MBKS, partners Lalamove, Loong Kee, UM and Heineken, as well as vendors and the Padungan Merchant Association for their teamwork and commitment.
“When we work hand in hand, we don’t just organise a festival — we strengthen our community,” she said, inviting the public to celebrate together with family and friends through food, performances and festive activities.
The festival offer a mix of local food and beverages, artisan crafts and Lunar New Year essentials, alongside a daily cultural stage showcasing performances such as 24 festive drums, lion and dragon dances, Chinese orchestra and other cultural presentations.
Organised by the Kuching Dynamic Association together with the Padungan Merchant Association and supported by MBKS, the event will officially open on Feb 7. The opening ceremony is expected to be graced by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, and MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng. — DayakDaily
