KUCHING: The central Sarawak town of Betong will come alive this June with a Gawai Dayak parade and open house.
Organised by the Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF), the celebration is now in its fourth year and expects to welcome 3,000 visitors.
State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Gawai was an important festival for Sarawak's Dayak community to celebrate the harvest season.
Beyond that, he said it also represented Sarawak's warm hospitality and strong sense of community.
"I'm delighted that this festival and parade will take place in Betong, a town rich in Dayak heritage and vibrant community spirit.
"This is an excellent opportunity to highlight the district's cultural heritage and create meaningful opportunities for local entrepreneurs, artisans and businesses to benefit from increased tourism activities," he told a press conference here on Friday (March 6).
Abdul Karim said the STF Gawai parade and open house would showcase Sarawak's cultural identity and diversity in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026, attracting visitors keen to experience local traditions and hospitality.
He said celebrations like Gawai strengthened Sarawak's position as a destination offering meaningful cultural encounters.
"Initiatives such as this not only help preserve our rich cultural heritage, but also support the growth of tourism and create economic opportunities for local communities," he added.
STF assistant secretary-general Awang Saifeluddin Awangku Karim said the Gawai parade will take place in the Betong town centre in the morning on June 6, followed by the open house at Engkeranji Longhouse in the evening.
He said visitors can also take part in various activities during the celebration, including a riverside picnic, glamping, traditional pansoh cooking class, handicraft workshops and outdoor survival skills.
The festivities will culminate in a Gawai Kaamatan concert featuring artists from Sarawak, Sabah and Kalimantan.
