Cultural Exchange Festival Brings Together Malaysian, ASEAN Heritage In Melaka
MELAKA, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- Melaka will host the 2026 Cultural Exchange Festival: Celebrating Cross-Cultural Heritage, bringing together the heritage and cultures of Malaysia and Southeast Asian countries in Banda Hilir from Oct 31 to Nov 2.
Melaka Tourism Promotion Division (BPP) general manager Nasrul Ahmad said the three-day programme organised by the National Heritage Department would feature various activities, including seminars, talks, conventions, exhibitions, cultural performances and food.
"Participation in the festival will involve states in Malaysia as well as other ASEAN countries, including Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand, while the number of participants has yet to be finalised.
"A coordination meeting with the relevant parties is scheduled for Sept 29 to detail preparations, including participation to be handled by the National Heritage Department," he told reporters after the Melaka Keretapi Sarong programme in conjunction with the Malaysia Day celebration here today.
Nasrul said the highlight of the programme was scheduled for Oct 31 with the opening ceremony and Cross-Cultural Heritage Parade, involving various ethnic groups and cultures from Malaysia and regional countries along the Banda Hilir area.
He said Melaka, as the host, would provide logistics and venues for the programme, such as the People's Museum for the convention, the Malay and Islamic World Museum (DMDI), exhibitions, as well as various other activities at the grounds of the Malacca Malay Sultanate Palace Museum.
Nasrul said the programme was also expected to feature a Mak Yong performance highlighting intangible heritage, as well as various cultural performances from participating countries, including lion or dragon dance performances from China.
"The programme also elevates local and regional cultural heritage through various educational and cultural activities around the historic Banda Hilir area.
"With various programmes being held in the state, they can help enliven Melaka's tourism activities while also benefiting traders around the programme area," he said.
-- BERNAMA
