The first ever Malaysian Festival 2014 was held on 20-22 June 2014 at Kuzminki Park, Moscow with the theme “Malaysia Truly Asia's endless wonders of events, festivals and activities all-year round”. The festival was launched by H.E. Dato’ Zainol Abidin Omar, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Russian Federation.
The main aim of the three-day event was to showcase Malaysian cuisine, art, handicraft, music and dance as well as traditional Malaysian games to the people of Moscow. The crowd was mesmerised and entertained to a cultural performance of various traditional Malaysian dances by the EZ Dance Troupe Entertainment from Malaysia. There were also workshops on teh tarik, roti canai and roti jala which attracted Muscovites who witnessed the festival. Besides that, traditional games such as congkak, batu seremban, sepak takraw and kite making were exhibited during the festival. In addition, a renowned Malaysian abstract artist Mr Yusof Ghani exhibited some of his paintings while Ms. Nur Atiqah Yusuf held an exhibition of some of her photographs. There was also a workshop on batik chanting by a Malaysian artist Mr. Nabil. The highlight of the festival was the lucky draw for two air tickets to go to Malaysia courtesy of Singapore Airlines, with accommodation and transfers service provided courtesy of various Russian tour operators.
Overall, there was a good response to the festival and Muscovites were able to experience and enjoy a sampling of the rich Malaysian culture and hospitality. It is hoped that the festival could serve as a catalyst for Malaysia to promote its tourism industry as well as to introduce Malaysia to Muscovites.
