SANDAKAN: A Chinese New Year convoy featuring lion, dragon and unicorn dances rolled through Sandakan on Sabah’s east coast, drawing large crowds in a first-of-its-kind event for the town.
The celebration saw 15 lorries carrying 38 dance troupes parading through Sandakan town centre and Bandar Kimfung, before culminating in an open-air street performance at Bandar Indah.
“We wanted to create a lively Chinese New Year atmosphere through this convoy and share the celebration with all communities in Sandakan, because Chinese New Year is a festival for everyone,” said Sandakan Municipal Council president Walter Kenson.
“This was the first time we held an open lion dance performance right in the middle of the main road, witnessed by more than 5,000 people. It truly opened a new chapter in Sandakan’s history,” he added.
A two-lane main road was temporarily closed for the event.
Among those who turned up was Mandy Chiang, a local mother of two who brought her sons.
“This was truly amazing. My boys had so much fun, and it opened their eyes to our culture in a very exciting way. Sandakan has not been this lively in a long time, and I’m really happy and impressed with how well the organisers planned everything,” she said.
The programme was organised by Datuk Edward Khoo, president of the Sandakan United Chinese Associations, in collaboration with the Sandakan Municipal Council, the Sandakan Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Sandakan Parliamentary Office.
Organisers are now considering turning the historic convoy into an annual Chinese New Year event to further promote cultural harmony and boost economic activity in the town.
A “Big Head Buddha” performer interacts with the crowd during the historic Chinese New Year convoy in Sandakan.
A vibrant lion dance performance draws cheers from spectators lining the streets of Bandar Indah.
A pair of lion dancers perform elevated stunts against the backdrop of Sandakan’s shoplots.
Members of the Sandakan Teo Chew Association perform the traditional “Ying Ge” dance during the open street showcase.
Young performers display choreographed movements accompanied by traditional drums during the celebration.
Colourful cultural performers entertain thousands gathered for the historic convoy.
Families and children gather along the roadside to watch the first-ever lion dance convoy in Sandakan.
Spectators record the performances as the celebration unfolds in Bandar Indah.
Residents line the roadside near a Sandakan signboard to catch a glimpse of the festivities.
An aerial view shows thousands of spectators crowding the streets as the lion dance troupes perform in the middle of the road.
