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Tram Sarong brings Malaysian culture to the heart of Budapest
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Embassy in Budapest, Hungary brought a slice of home to the heart of Europe on Saturday, with its vibrant "Tram Sarong" event.
Inspired by the annual Keretapi Sarong, about 90 participants — primarily comprising Malaysians residing in Hungary and embassy staff and their families — donned traditional attire to celebrate Malaysia's cultural heritage aboard the Budapest's iconic Tram Line 2.
They were also joined by officials from Asean member state embassies.
The embassy said in a statement that the event highlighted the kebaya and Malaysia's rich heritage on a moving platform.
The initiative transformed Budapest's Tram Line 2 into a roving cultural exhibition, offering passengers a look at Malaysian traditional attire set against the city's architectural gems.
Often hailed as one of the most scenic tram routes in Europe, Line 2 runs parallel to the Danube on the Pest side, offering stunning views of Buda Castle, Parliament Building, Chain Bridge and Gellert Hill.
Charge d'Affaires Vanitha Gopalakrishnan said: "We wanted to bring a piece of Malaysia to Hungary in a way that merges culture, and beauty.
"The kebaya is more than just an attire. It is a symbol of elegance, tradition, and shared regional heritage across Southeast Asia.
"We're proud to showcase it here in Budapest."
The Tram Sarong concept originates from the Keretapi Sarong, an annual event in Malaysia where passengers board trains in traditional attire.
This event also aligns with the recognition of kebaya by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on Dec 4 last year.
As the tram pulled into its final stop at the Parliament Building, the celebration ended with a group photo and participants were served traditional Malaysian cuisine.
