The food culture behind Sabah and Sarawak’s Kaamatan and Hari Gawai celebrations

Linopot is a traditional Sabahan dish typically served during the harvest festival of Kaamatan. — PISON JAUJIP

Throughout Sabah and Sarawak, the Harvest Festival or Kaamatan (in Sabah from 30 to 31 May) and Hari Gawai (in Sarawak from 1 to 2 June) are celebrated with great fanfare, with villages cooking up feasts, families organising get-togethers and the spirit of community prevailing through it all.

“Kaamatan and Hari Gawai are very important celebrations for the people of Borneo because they represent gratitude for the harvest, respect for nature, and appreciation of cultural heritage.