Sarawak's Lun Bawang folk to celebrate culture, heritage at three-day festival

KUCHING: Sarawak's Lun Bawang community will celebrate its culture and heritage in an annual three-day festival on June 1-3.

Now in its 36th year, the Irau Aco Lun Bawang (Lun Bawang Festival) in Lawas town is expected to attract more participants and visitors this time.

Sarawak Lun Bawang Association president Dolphina Balang said the festival had become an iconic event in Lawas, celebrated not only by the Lun Bawang but also by other communities in northern Sarawak.

"This year, we are looking to continue the good efforts of inviting our fellow tribesmen from Brunei, Sabah and Kalimantan to make the event a success.

"We are planning to ensure this festival will continue to be an important asset for the people in Lawas, especially in boosting tourism and the local economy by attracting visitors and tourists," she said in a statement on Thursday (April 6).

About 3,000 participants are expected to be involved in this year's festival, which will feature cultural programmes and sports activities.

Highlights include art and cultural workshops showcasing traditional music, beadwork and attire, bamboo band and gong performances and a traditional food fest, as well as the Ruran Ulung and Padan Liu Burung beauty pageant and warrior contest.

Football, volleyball, badminton and zumba will be held alongside community sports like tug of war and blowpipe shooting.

Organising chairman Jude Benjamin Lisa said the anticipation was higher this year after the success of last year's festival.

"We are (taking) a digital-savvy approach to attract a younger audience," he said, adding that those interested can follow Irau Aco Lun Bawang on Facebook and Instagram.