KUCHING: The much-anticipated inaugural Borneo Tuak Festival is set to captivate locals and tourists alike as it unveils the rich tapestry of Sarawakian cultural heritage at The Hills Shopping Mall.
The three-day festival from Nov 24 to 26, is jointly organised by Culinary Heritage and Arts Society Sarawak (CHASS), The Hills Kuching, WAT Sarawak, Retrospective Discovery LLP, in collaboration with the Tun Jugah Foundation and representatives from the Bidayuh and Orang Ulu communities.
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and the festival’s advisor Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew said the fest promises a celebration of tradition, craftsmanship and authentic experiences.
Ting (centre) along with others holds up a small bottle of tuak at Baitulmakmur Building 2, Petra Jaya.
In addition, the festival will be the largest gathering of tuak brewers in Kuching – about 25 of them (brewers) hailing from Kuching, Miri, Selangau, across Peninsular Malaysia.
“Tuak holds a significant place in Sarawakian culture, symbolising identity and connecting generations.
“The Borneo Tuak Festival is a tribute to this intangible heritage, showcasing craftsmanship and the rich flavours of tuak to both residents and tourists.
“Actually, this festival came about when I officiated the Sarawak Gastronomy Incubator in June this year and I thought that, this month is June, why not (we) consider to have a tuak festival?
“I thought it would be a small-scale festival but, we already have about 40 vendors coming to this festival. This shows that the interest is there,” he said in a press conference at Baitulmakmur Building 2, Petra Jaya today (Nov 21).
He hoped that the festival will grow bigger next year and more brewers from different ethnic groups, would participate and showcase their brew.
With an expected attendance of over 3,000 visitors, the three-day festival aims to showcase more than 25 tuak brands, allowing attendees to experience the dedication, talent and cultural significance embedded within each brew.
Over 25 tuak brands will be showcased in the upcoming Borneo Tuak Festival from Friday to Sunday at The Hills Shopping Mall.
Among the festival’s objectives include preserving cultural heritage, supporting local artisans, driving Sarawak’s tourism growth, and attracting tourists seeking authentic cultural experiences.
Featuring a plethora of activities, including competitions, demonstrations, live performances and presentations by industry leaders, the Borneo Tuak Festival promises a vibrant and immersive experience for both locals and tourists alike.
The festival will be held from 4pm to 10pm on Friday, and from 12pm to 10pm on Saturday and Sunday.
