KUCHING: Between 10,000 and 20,000 visitors are expected at the 30th Irau Aco Lun Bawang festival in Lawas this June 1 to 3.
Sarawak Lun Bawang Association president Ipoi Datan said this year’s theme will be ‘Adat Tau Etu Tau’ (Our Culture is Our Identity).
“This festival is also listed in the calendar of events by the tourism ministry,” he told a press conference yesterday.
Ipoi said besides the Lun Bawang community in Sarawak, those from Sabah, Brunei and Kalimantan will also be at three-day festival.
He pointed out that the festival would not only showcase the culture of the Lun Bawang community, but also be a platform to further promote tourism in the state.
“There are several historical attractions in the division such as the Batu Narit and the Buaya Tanah,” said Ipoi, who is also Sarawak Museum Department director.
The highlights of the festival will be a beauty pageant, traditional sports events, cultural performances, and an attempt to enter the ‘Malaysia Book of Records’ for the biggest bamboo band performance.
“Traditional sports such as Mr/Mrs Upai Semaring or strongman challenge and blowpipe will be held at the festival,” said Ministry of Tourism and Culture state director Suriya Charles Buas, who is also festival organising chairman.
He said through the festival youths would hopefully learn about and continue practising traditional sports.
The festival is supported by the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism, as well as the Limbang Resident’s and Lawas District offices.