KUCHING: Rain did not stop over 8,000 Christians from spreading the Christmas joy and kindness in the annual Kuching Christmas Parade held at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Jubilee Grounds here on Saturday.
The participants came armed with umbrellas, caps and raincoats as early as 5pm in pouring rain.
Before the parade began, there was a worship celebration followed by a prayer blessing by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kuching Archbishop Simon Poh and heads of the various churches.
The parade route, covering a distance of four kilometres, took the participants through many iconic city landmarks.
The annual parade was organised by the Association of Churches in Sarawak and Kuching Ministers’ Fellowship, with the Methodist SCAC as the host church yet again.
Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii, who was at the parade said, “This parade is very special in Sarawak where churches regardless of denomination, and people regardless of age and ethnicity, are united through faith.”
Kelvin, who was with the Good News Fellowship Kuching contingent, said the parade was a good opportunity to show to the rest of the country and the world that Sarawakians live in harmony, celebrate together despite their different faiths, because they honour and respect one another.
A total of 15 churches participated in the parade, namely Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Church, Methodist Church SCAC, Methodist Church SIAC, BEM (SIB) Church, Seventh-Day Adventist Church, The Salvation Army, Sarawak Baptist Church, Sarawak Blessed Church, Grace Sentral Church AOG, Sarawak Grace Assembly Church Kuching, Hope Church Kuching, Good News Fellowship, City Harvest Church, Latter Rain Church Kuching and Fellowship of Evangelical Students (FES).
Photos: Allan Jay & Ghazali Bujang
Archbishop Simon and the head of various churches leading the parade of 8,000 Christians to spread the Christmas spirit and joy across Kuching. 
Christmas floats representing their churches respectively at the parade. 
Christmas floats representing their churches respectively at the parade. 
Christmas floats representing their churches respectively at the parade. 
Christmas floats representing their churches respectively at the parade. 
Christmas floats representing their churches respectively at the parade. 
Pictures of the colourful parade including Faith Methodist Church members, religious sisters, youths, brigadiers and scouts enjoying themselves in the annual Christmas Parade. 
Pictures of the colourful parade including Faith Methodist Church members, religious sisters, youths, brigadiers and scouts enjoying themselves in the annual Christmas Parade. 
Pictures of the colourful parade including Faith Methodist Church members, religious sisters, youths, brigadiers and scouts enjoying themselves in the annual Christmas Parade. 
Pictures of the colourful parade including Faith Methodist Church members, religious sisters, youths, brigadiers and scouts enjoying themselves in the annual Christmas Parade. 
Members of public gather by the road side to witness the parade goes on despite the mother nature’s rain. 
Members of public gather by the road side to witness the parade goes on despite the mother nature’s rain. 
The 8,000-strong Christians parade to spread the Christmas spirit and joy across Kuching. 
Parents bringing their children along in this family-oriented Christmas programme. 
All smiles from each participating group in the annual Christmas Parade. 
All smiles from each participating group in the annual Christmas Parade. 
All smiles from each participating group in the annual Christmas Parade. 
Parents bringing their children along in this family-oriented Christmas programme. 
Parents bringing their children along in this family-oriented Christmas programme. 
Parents bringing their children along in this family-oriented Christmas programme. 
Parents bringing their children along in this family-oriented Christmas programme. 
Colourful parade of church members, youths in the annual event. The inclement weather does not deter their spirits. 
Colourful parade of church members, youths in the annual event. The inclement weather does not deter their spirits. 
Colourful parade of church members, youths in the annual event. The inclement weather does not deter their spirits. 
Colourful parade of church members, youths in the annual event. The inclement weather does not deter their spirits. 
Colourful parade of church members, youths in the annual event. The inclement weather does not deter their spirits. 
Colourful parade of church members, youths in the annual event. The inclement weather does not deter their spirits. 
Colourful parade of church members, youths in the annual event. The inclement weather does not deter their spirits. 
Colourful parade of church members, youths in the annual event. The inclement weather does not deter their spirits. 
Colourful parade of church members, youths in the annual event. The inclement weather does not deter their spirits. 
Colourful parade of church members, youths in the annual event. The inclement weather does not deter their spirits. 
Colourful parade of church members, youths in the annual event. The inclement weather does not deter their spirits. 
Colourful parade of church members, youths in the annual event. The inclement weather does not deter their spirits. 
Colourful parade of church members, youths in the annual event. The inclement weather does not deter their spirits. 
Colourful parade of church members, youths in the annual event. The inclement weather does not deter their spirits. 
Colourful parade of church members, youths in the annual event. The inclement weather does not deter their spirits. 
Colourful parade of church members, youths in the annual event. The inclement weather does not deter their spirits. 
Colourful parade of church members, youths in the annual event. The inclement weather does not deter their spirits. 
Colourful parade of church members, youths in the annual event. The inclement weather does not deter their spirits. 
Colourful parade of church members, youths in the annual event. The inclement weather does not deter their spirits. 
Colourful parade of church members, youths in the annual event. The inclement weather does not deter their spirits. 
Colourful parade of church members, youths in the annual event. The inclement weather does not deter their spirits. 
Colourful parade of church members, youths in the annual event. The inclement weather does not deter their spirits. 
Colourful parade of church members, youths in the annual event. The inclement weather does not deter their spirits. 
Colourful parade of church members, youths in the annual event. The inclement weather does not deter their spirits. 
Colourful parade of church members, youths in the annual event. The inclement weather does not deter their spirits. 
Colourful parade of church members, youths in the annual event. The inclement weather does not deter their spirits. 
Colourful parade of church members, youths in the annual event. The inclement weather does not deter their spirits. 
The famous cat statue in front of Padungan dressed according to the Christmas festive season
