When “Myth & Folklore” Comes Alive at Citrawarna 2016

26th September 2016 marked as another historical day for Malaysia as the successful Citrawarna 2016 showcased Malaysia’s “Myth & Folklore” to the locals as well as international tourists and media.

Citrawarna 2016

Citrawarna 2016

The event was graced by many VIPs including Malaysia’s own Minister of Tourism and Culture, Dato Seri Mohamed Nazri Abd Aziz. After the singing of Malaysia’s National Anthem “Negaraku”, Dato Seri Nazri officiated the event. It was then continued with welcoming fireworks before the opening performance of Citrawarna 2016.

Citrawarna 2016

Citrawarna 2016 “Myth & Folklore” at Dataran Merdeka

Citrawarna 2016

Performed in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, a total of 19 themed “Myth & Folklore” dances were brought to us live at Dataran Merdeka and also on local TV. The dances brought a total of 400 dancers across the nation. Practice started a month before Citrawarna 2016. I was looking forward to the choreograph that would sync with the storyline. I had quite high hopes this year after last year’s show.

Fourteen states bewitched us with their own “specialty”. Some states had legends that I’ve never even heard before. Thanks to Citrawarna 2016, I learned quite a lot on my own country’s legends.

Along with the states, there were also additional shows by the Chinese, Indians and Sikhs, Original People and Siamese. They come in a flurry of colours and costumes, capturing our attentions with the story plot and the music.

Below are the names of the states and the legends as they were performed that night:

  1. Kedah – Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa
  2. Pahang – Lagenda Tasik Chini
  3. Selangor – Upu Chendera
  4. Negeri Sembilan – Misteri Lata Kijang
  5. Chinese Performance – Tarian Bunga Teratai
  6. Johor – Lagenda Puteri Gunung Ledang
  7. Terengganu – Lagenda Bukit Puteri
  8. Melaka – Hang Tuah
  9. Indian and Sikhs Performance – Tarian Klasikal & Bangra
  10. Perlis – Jentayu
  11. Kelantan – Cik Siti Wan Kembang
  12. Pulau Pinang – Pertemuan
  13. Original People Performance – Sawai
  14. Siamese Performance – Raja Naga
  15. Perak – Cempaka Sari
  16. Sabah – Huminodun
  17. Sarawak – Tugau
  18. Kuala Lumpur – Cuti-Cuti Malaysia & Mega Sales

Honestly, I think Citrawarna 2016 was arranged perfectly. Timing was on the dot. Launch was short, precise and perfect. Performances was incredible. I got the best seat – which was right in front of the VIPs – but most definitely because the theme this year captured my attention.

I would love to know more on some of the myths and folklore – which could not be found online. Think I might need to pay the National Library a visit soon.

The night ended with an array of beautiful fireworks, synonymous to Citrawarna. Beautiful burst of colours in the sky.

Citrawarna 2016

Citrawarna 2016

Later, post show of concert from the likes of Ayda Jebat, Datin Alyah, Drama Band, Bunkface, Aweera, Payslip and Sissy Iman entertained the crowd until 2am.

Due to the long day we had that Sunday, we had to give the post show concert a miss and left for the hotel to rest. We had a lot of fun at Citrawarna 2016 though!

Citrawarna 2016

Citrawarna 2016 Chillax Zone

Other than the much awaited performances on Sunday, Citrawarna 2016 also has other attractions in store for visitors like:

  • Photo Booth
  • Competitions and Quizzes (in the day)
  • Coffee Corner (by Starbucks Malaysia)
  • The Wknd Session
  • Citrawarna 2016 product sales (booth)
  • KL Food Truck Fiesta

All these were available to visitors on both 24th and 25th September from 4pm onwards.

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This event was made possible by Gaya Travel Magazine in conjunction with Eat.Travel.Write.Doodle Citrawarna 2016.

Written by 

LizzaBella is a part-time traveler, amateur photographer and videographer and writer. Connect with LizzaBella through her social medias today!

16 thoughts on “When “Myth & Folklore” Comes Alive at Citrawarna 2016

  1. There is few error there, the dancers that involved in this Citrawarna 2016 is almost 1000.. But great to know that from this event u had learn few things about our lagends, hopefully for all of us.. Hopefully next year would be better!!

  2. Linda Yee says:

    Such a colorful event! Too bad I missed it. Hope there will be another one soon.

  3. Looks like fun event! Loving the outfits from the performers! I didnt get to go tho 🙁

  4. It was unfortunate that I had to give Citrawarna a miss due to a clash in my schedule. I bet it was an eye-opener when it came to the myth and folklore. I would love to attend the next one since I have never had the opportunity to go thus far.

  5. Wow…looks so fun!!! I wan to join as well!!!

  6. Wah, look at the colors, the show is really impressive 🙂

  7. So meaningful event! looks like you guys had so much fun! hope they have this again in future!

  8. This looks extravagant and very beautiful. Glad that you could attend this event.

  9. I love all the Myth and Folklore story when I was in High School! Now it come to live during Citrawarna event =D

  10. I was there for part of it because there was something I could not get out of and I missed the best part like Naga Tasik Chini and Puteri Gunung Ledang… huhuhu but it was a very glorious and amazing affair

  11. meaningful event and I proud to be Malaysia as we still practice our cultural dance and maintain from one generation to another generation.

  12. Wow the grandeur and scale of the performance makes it so magnificent and must have been an enjoyable time watching it!

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