KUCHING: Sarawak’s Babulang Festival and Lumba Kerbau are set to take place from June 2 to June 4, and this year’s celebration promises to be a lively affair as it coincides with the state’s 60th Independence Day celebration.
Sarawak Bisaya Association president Joseph Blandoi said the theme ‘60 Years of Sarawak Independence, Our Babulang’ is expected to excite festival-goers with an entertaining line-up of events that highlight the state’s rich cultural heritage.
“The festival will feature the lumba kerbau and Nakod Babulang (Welcoming Babulang’s honourable guests) events, as well as a decorated raft procession.
“As a riverine community, the Bisaya people traditionally used rafts, in addition to boats, for transportation, and the decorated raft procession down the river promises to be a highlight of the festival.
“To add to the festivities, the Panglima Babulang competition will also be revived this year, after a hiatus,” Blandoi said in a statement.
Additionally, the Nakod Babulang ceremony will showcase Bisaya arts that are in danger of being lost, such as pancak (self-defence) and batiap (poetry).
He said the Ratu Babulang, Puan Kebaya, drumming, and dance competitions will also be held, ensuring there is something for everyone.
“As the borders reopen, the festival is expected to attract visitors from neighbouring countries and states. Last year, despite the border being closed, over 7,000 visitors attended the festival.”
With this year’s exciting line-up of events, organisers expect an even larger turnout.
