KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 — Come Saturday, Malaysians and tourists will be feted to a colourful mix of musical splendour against a nature backdrop as the 18th Citrawarna @ Kuala Lumpur 2017 takes off.

The event is inspired by World Tourism Day themed, "Sustainable Tourism — A Tool For Development”, which was celebrated last month.

Emphasising the importance of nature and ecotourism as core elements of the industry, Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said the grand event will be themed, "The Sunrise, The Green and The Echo Within”.

It will take place at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur featuring a unique combination of dance theatre elements, musical and parades.

Nazri said the ministry hoped to ensure that Citrawarna this year would be a platform to deliver the message of the importance of nature not only in the form of culture but also in arts, heritage and lifestyle.

"At the same time, the event will pose as a promotional tool for ecotourism in the country through performances, singing, lighting and sound,” he said.

Citrawarna 2017 will also showcase performances from various communities such as Chinese, Indian, Thai and Orang Asli.

"Most people do not realise that our culture is strongly influenced by nature,” he added.

Some of the dance movements, he said, were influenced from the movements made by animals and other elements from traditional customs.

"There will also be performances by street dancers and cheerleaders, as well as other new, fresh and creative activities Citrawarna is known for since 1999,” he said.

The event begins at 4.30pm where various exciting activities will be held at the Chillax Zone — a designated area surrounding the flag police at Dataran Merdeka.

Among the activities at the zone are traditional games, buskers’ performances and karaoke.

"We are also creating a space for the public to express their love for Malaysia by setting a photo-wall called #SayangMalaysia,” Nazri said.

Side events will be held earlier that day at 7.30am at Taman Eko Rimba, Bukit Nanas.

This special running event called "Kids Eco Dash” is supported by Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia and is expected encourage young children to do outdoor activities and appreciate natural surroundings.

The "Bring Your Own Plant” Programme to be held at the same venue is a collaboration with Locco (Local Companion) and Daun. This is to encourage people to use carbon-free public services like LRT and MRT.

The event also features "Food Truck Fiesta” to create a space for visitors to experience cashless food purchasing using smartphones with the cooperation of Batu Road Retailers Association (Barra) and Boost throughout the entire day.

The official ceremony at 8.30pm will be launched by Nazri.

For details, visit www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my.