Showcasing the Colours of Malaysia

ELLFIAN RAHIM | 28 July 2026

Citrawarna returned to Kuala Lumpur with three days of colour, culture and performances at Dataran Merdeka.

AFTER a six-year hiatus, Citrawarna was back at Dataran Merdeka from July 24 to 26, bringing together traditional performances, heritage crafts, food and cultural activities from across Malaysia.

Organised by Tourism Malaysia, with the support of Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL), Warisan Kuala Lumpur, Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara (JKKN), Istana Budaya and Muzium Tekstil Negara, Citrawarna 2026 served as a national platform to promote Malaysia's arts, heritage, and cultural tourism to local and international visitors.

The opening ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing.

Festival goers eager to meet Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who attended the opening ceremony and parade of Citrawarna 2026 at Dataran Merdeka.

Despite the sweltering weather, thousands of visitors made their way to the historic square over the three days, with Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad providing a fitting backdrop. Organisers estimated attendance at about 50,000 visitors a day, including more than 700 international visitors from 12 countries.

The programme revolved around four themes: Colours of Art, showcasing heritage crafts; Colours of Culture, featuring traditional games and performances; Colours of Flavour, with more than 70 food stalls; and the Colours of Parade, where 3,500 performers from across the country took part in the festival's signature procession. Evening concerts featured artistes including Wani Kayrie, Bulan Asryaff, Dr Soo Wincci, Santesh Kumar, Ernie Zakri, Aina Abdul and Kumpulan Balle-Balle.

Festival goers from all over the world, and of all ages were seen at the event last weekend.

Heritage in the Spotlight

For exhibitors, the festival offered a platform to introduce visitors to traditional crafts, community initiatives and cultural attire.

Adelia Khalid, representing Komuniti Tukang Jahit, said the event helped raise awareness of the social enterprise, which creates sewing opportunities for B40 women, single mothers and people with disabilities. Its RM99 Blind Box collection of hand-stitched plush toys proved popular with visitors.

"The festival gave us the chance to tell people what we're all about," she said. "We create opportunities for people to earn an income through sewing while ensuring they are paid fairly."

Nearby, Puan Odie of DJS Tagaroh Taylor showcased Sabah's traditional Kadazan Dusun attire, including the Sinuangga.

"Most people only see this costume during Kaamatan," she said. "Citrawarna gave visitors the chance to appreciate its craftsmanship up close and learn about its significance."

Keeping Traditions Alive

Traditional games and pastimes like playing Batu Seremban were a hit at Citrwarna.

Professional gambus player Muhammad Zulhafis, better known as “Along Gambus” (centre) introduced audiences to the lively rhythms of Zapin through performances and demonstrations.

Festivals remain one of the best ways to introduce younger Malaysians to games such as teng-teng, congkak, batu seremban and konda kondi.

Traditional games drew a steady stream of families throughout the weekend. Radzuan Haji Abu Samah, president of the Malaysian Traditional Sports Association, said festivals remained one of the best ways to introduce younger Malaysians to games such as congkak, batu seremban, konda kondi and teng-teng.

"You can't experience the excitement of these games through a screen," he said.

Mohd. Junaidi Mohd. Taib of Persatuan Gasing Pangkah Putrajaya spent the festival demonstrating the techniques and rules of spinning the traditional gasing.

"It's becoming a forgotten pastime among young people. Events like Citrawarna help keep it alive."

Music also played a central role. Professional gambus player Muhammad Zulhafis, better known as “Along Gambus”, introduced audiences to the lively rhythms of Zapin through performances and demonstrations.

"Zapin has an upbeat tempo that's perfect for a festival like this," he said. "It's as much about the dance as it is the music."

Khairulnisah Abdul Ghani with the Air Janda Pulang, a traditional coconut drink from Kuala Pilah.

A Taste of Malaysia

Food remained one of the festival's biggest attractions, with more than 70 stalls serving regional specialities.
Khairulnisah Abdul Ghani, representing Negri Sembilan, used the festival to introduce visitors to Air Janda Pulang, a traditional coconut drink from Kuala Pilah, alongside familiar favourites such as masak lemak ikan keli and daging salai.

"Everyone knows our famous dishes," she said. "I wanted people to discover something different."

Nearby, Maizatul Akmar showcased Putu Perak, a traditional steamed rice cake filled with grated coconut and brown sugar. "Many people mistake it for a pau," she said. "But it's a traditional Perak delicacy that's becoming increasingly hard to find."

Parade Through History

The cultural parade remained the festival's centrepiece, with 3,500 performers from across the country taking to the streets around Dataran Merdeka.

Teacher Ahmad Al-Khuldi Alias led 40 students from Sekolah Aminuddin Baki in a performance inspired by Melaka's Baba and Nyonya heritage.

"We spent a lot of time perfecting the choreography, costumes and props so we could tell the story authentically," he said.

Also taking part was the Sabah Dance Group, whose members perform professionally at Saloma Restaurant in MATIC, Jalan Ampang. "Our performances feature dances from Sabah's many ethnic communities, but at Citrawarna we also invited visitors to join in," said dancer Aishah Abdullah. "Whether at the parade or on the mini stage, we wanted people to experience the joy of traditional dance for themselves."

The hot weather meant visitor numbers fluctuated throughout the three days, but the festival still succeeded in drawing thousands back to Dataran Merdeka to experience Malaysian culture in one of the city's most historic settings.

For Warisan KL, that is the enduring value of events such as Citrawarna. Beyond the performances, crafts and food, they reactivate historic places like Dataran Merdeka and Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad, encouraging people to reconnect with Kuala Lumpur's heritage through shared experiences. In doing so, they help return activity, identity and a renewed sense of soul to the city's historic core.