‘Prosperity Walk’ makes vibrant return, with a parade through the streets of Kuala Lumpur
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 — After a successful debut last year, the Kuala Lumpur Prosperity Walk recently made its comeback on a bigger scale.
Its organising team from Network of Bukit Bintang Communities (NBBC) put together a larger parade and vibrant street carnival this year.
Parading through the streets of Kuala Lumpur, it featured traditional lion and dragon dances, as well as an eclectic mix of Malaysian dances and performances.
The parade featured a handful of participants dressed as Gods of Prosperity. — Picture courtesy of Albert Nico
Also featured were participants dressed as Gods of Prosperity and other colourful Chinese characters.
“The Prosperity Walk this year was held again on the 15th day of Chinese New Year,” said NBBC co-founder Tjek Lim.
“The entire programme was from 4pm to 10pm, bringing participants up close and personal with many iconic landmarks in the city centre,” he added.
Cultural photographer Albert Nico (right) with Network of Bukit Bintang Communities co-founder Tjek Lim. — Picture courtesy of Albert Nico
Celebrity hairstylist Albert Nico was appointed as the event’s cultural photographer, capturing memorable moments on camera.
“I was honoured to be part of the Prosperity Walk,” said Nico, who is also the Malaysian ‘icon’ (ambassador) of international haircare brand Kevin Murphy.
“It made me so proud to be Malaysian, witnessing everyone coming together for a noteworthy cause,” he added.
The official flag off for the walk was at Central Market. The troupes then went through Chinatown (Jalan Petaling) towards GMBB, KL’s newest creative community mall.
From there, the parade branched into two. One route took participants through Tengkat Tong Shin and Changkat Bukit Bintang before entering Plaza Low Yat which was a key performance venue.
With Petronas Twin Towers as a stunning backdrop, the St John’s Alumni Pipe Band goes into action. — Picture courtesy of Albert Nico
The other route took participants to Suria KLCC. There were also timed stops at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Lot 10 and Sungei Wang Plaza before converging with the other troupe at Plaza Low Yat.
The entourage passed through an open-air dinner event hosted by Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur at Jalan Alor before ending at LaLaport BBCC, its final destination. There were cultural on-stage performances by both local and international artistes.
According to Lim, NBBC plans to make the Prosperity Walk an annual affair.
The Prosperity Walk featured numerous lion dance troupes. — Picture courtesy of Albert Nico
NBBC is a community service initiative formed by several NGOs and supported by government authorities to introduce ‘The Greater Bukit Bintang’ as the hub for economic, art and cultural and community activities.
“NBBC has started community aid programmes like food banks and food rescue, where we delivered daily bread and hot meals to the underprivileged,” said Lim.
