It's often hard to find information about what's happening in Kuching.

We knew there was a parade in the offing because a friend sent us the notice about road closures, and we'd seen some of the infrastructure going up round the Padang.

But what, exactly, was the schedule?

It took Nigel a while to track down a start time, but he eventually established it was due to kick off at 1900.

So we thought we'd amble down to Jalan Abell, grab something to eat, and then watch the contingents file by at the beginning of their route.

We sat down, we ordered, and the food arrived.



At that self-same minute, though, the sounds of a band announced that the parade was on its way. Wait a minute, it's barely 1800, let alone 1900...

But parades wait for no person. So we ate quickly (which is a pity because a roti John is really something to savour), paid quickly, and tumbled out to see the rest of the parading groups.

They're always great, these events. I never fail to be impressed by the hard work people put in, and the energy and exuberance that just spark out of the processions once they get started. Everyone's in high spirits, ready to have fun with it all.

Samples:






















Once we'd seen everyone go by, we headed along the waterfront, thinking we'd grab a drink, and maybe see the tail end of the parade pass by again. We arrived at Moon and Sun, one of our favourite hangouts, and settled down outside to watch.

The procession seemed to have ground to a halt. Not sure why. I think the original idea was that everyone would end up at the Padang. But everything seemed to have backed up quite considerably, and these guys were stationary.

Not that anyone was that worried. It was dark by now, and people were milling around admiring each other's lights. (This was always billed as the Parade of Lights, so the costumes really came into their own once darkness fell.)








But then it came on to rain... Everyone made a beeline for the five-foot ways that line the old streets here. We took our drinks inside, to give them all a bit more room out front.

Eventually, we popped back out to see what the weather was doing. The rain had stopped, but the procession was still well and truly stuck. No-one processing anywhere at all.

But again, this wasn't bothering anyone unduly. The Cats FM car we'd seen earlier had its radio pumping out traditional music, and groups of brightly dressed and illuminated people were busy doing the appropriate dance moves, complete with lots of shouts of "ooooo-haa", the classic Iban gathering call.


We picked our way home, negotiating pavements full of cars and puddles full of rainwater.

You're always glad you've made the small effort that's involved in going, and so grateful they've made the huge effort that's involved in gifting you another warm-hearted Kuching spectacle.