A group of performers posing at the Inanam Christmas Festival.
IT’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go in Kota Kinabalu with events and decorations to mark the Yuletide season.
Thousands of colourful lights brighten the streets to usher in the festive atmosphere, while Christmas-themed music plays in many shops and households, further bringing out the holiday mood among the people.
One of the many events was the Kota Kinabalu Christmas Festival, held at the Padang Merdeka compound in the city centre from Dec 12-15, where hundreds of vendors sold food, beverages and other items.
During the opening ceremony, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan urged Christians to reflect on values such as unity, love, understanding and peace.
Kitingan presenting Christmas gifts to a child at the Kota Kinabalu Christmas Festival.
He said with the theme of Unity and Harmony, this year’s celebration calls upon all Malaysians to stand united, hand in hand, and promote togetherness in the society.
“As we come together to celebrate Christmas, let us not forget the true meaning of this season, which is love, compassion and kindness for all,” he said.
Kitingan also reminded the people that amid celebration and happiness, many do not get to enjoy such privileges because of their living conditions.
“As we celebrate in merriment, take a moment to also think of the less fortunate. Let us all bring positive impact to those around us and our community at all times,” he said.
This four-day event organised by City Hall and the Sabah Council of Churches saw an array of activities and performances held, which included song and dances, carolling and the sales of assorted food and beverages.
A huge Christmas tree at Padang Merdeka.
Some of the churches and local artistes involved in the performances were BCCM (BM) Menggatal, BCCM United, Male Efficient, Joe Balanjiu Jr, The Basel Youth Choir, Esther Applunius, Persekutuan Kayan Sabah and Monica Marais.
The bands were from EGC Pastor’s Band, Song En Methodist Church, PCS Inanam, Enosroy Masangkil, CLC Grace Centre, Kolombong Quartet, BCCM (KKC), SIB Likas, Christ Church Likas, Calvary Charismatic Church, The New Life Church, Leslie Augustus and SIB Metro.
Earlier, the Inanam Christmas Festival, previously known as the KIMT Christmas Celebration, was held just outside the city.
It involved churches from various denominations from Kolombong, Inanam, Manggatal and Telipok areas as well as several Kota Kinabalu churches.
Some of the activities held were singing, dancing, a blood donation drive, artist performances, sales booths and blessing tickets.
