KOTA KINABALU: The 11th Sabah International Folklore Festival (SIFF) 2016 will bring the cultural heritage of the state and world’s legendary warriors centre stage, from July 24 to 30.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun said SIFF’s annual rotating theme usually showcased some of the local and world’s dance performances, exhibitions and other programs around a specific cultural aspect to the public and foreign visitors.
“Every year we try to change the theme. Last year was ‘marriage’, this year is ‘warrior’. Actually in this world, there is diverse cultural heritage; it is just we do not know,” said Masidi at a press conference after the first SIFF 2016 meeting here yesterday.
“We feel there is a lot that we can learn from the heritage among warriors of many cultures in the world. In a way, it is something to educate every one of us and to showcase the rich cultural heritage that is related to warriors of cultures in the world,” he added.
The minister added that although Murut warriors were prominent and synonymous in the state’s tourism scene, many other warriors are also found among Sabah’s vast and diversified cultural background itself.
Among the major programs in this year’s SIFF are the KK (Kota Kinabalu) City Folklore Parade here on July 26, 7th Folk Art Exhibition at the Sabah Art Gallery Conservation Centre (SAGCC) between July 25 to 30, Sabah Traditional Food and Handicraft Exhibition at Sabah Cultural Centre, Penampang between July 25 and 30, and the 8th Tugu Budaya Local Folk Dance Competition at Sabah Cultural Centre, Penampang on July 26, 27 and 29.
“As usual, SIFF will once again invite primary and secondary schools to participate. We find, through experience, that this event is among the most spectacular event because schools really care to ensure a good presentation of their performance,” said Masidi.
“They come in droves and big numbers to support their school. For us, this is a very, very healthy reflection of their value for our culture. It is, in a way, a good way to educate the young to perpetuate the rich cultural heritage of Sabah,” he emphasized.
SIFF 2016 will culminate with the International Folk Dance Competition at the Sabah Cultural Centre in Penampang on July 28 and 30.
Tickets can be bought at Sabah Cultural Board (+6088268836 and 268808), Sabah Cultural Centre in Penampang (+6088715464), and SAGCC (+6088268748 and 268825) from 8.30am to 4.30am.
Entry is free for the SIFF Folklore Parade, Folk Art Festival and exhibition.
Tickets are RM10 (adults) or RM5 (children and students under the age of 17) for Tugu Budaya and RM30 (adult) or RM10 (children and students under the age of 17) for the International Folk Dance Competition.
A ticket package of RM80 (adults) and RM30 (children) are also available for both competitions.
Amongst those present at the press conference were Sabah Cultural Board director Datuk Seri Panglima Wences Angang and general manager Datu Rosmadi Sulai.