Kadazandusun Cultural Association

Masidi (2nd from right) points at a poster used to promote the ‘Mystical Sabah’ event after the press conference yesterday. Standing close to him are Sabah Cultural Board dancers clad in traditional Lotud Dusun, Bajau and Rungus attire.

Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, Datuk Masidi Manjun said this year’s Sabah Fest, which has been themed ‘Mystical Sabah’ will showcase the spiritual rituals of the indigenous folks of Sabah, in particular the Dusun-Lotud people from Tuaran.

The ‘Mystical Sabah’ will take place on May 2- 3 at the Magellan Grand Ballroom of the Sutera Habour Resort here.

The main attraction during the event is a one-hour show starting at 8pm sharp at the ballroom during the two days. The premier show on May 3 will be attended by the Head of State, Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Ahmadshah Abdullah as well as the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman.

The show will highlight a handful of Sabah’s ethnic groups through a presentation of traditional songs and dances combined with a display of rarely-seen rituals and scenes from their daily lives.

At the same time, a special segment on the ‘Tamu culture of Sabah’ will also be showcased, said Masidi.

“In the olden days, a sacrificial offering is often made before the start of a tamu to ward against any untoward incidents such as cheating or illegal trade being carried out there,” he said.

At the same time, visitors to the Sabah Fest will be able to witness skilled craftsmen of Sabah at work during the handicraft exhibition which will be held at the foyer of the Magellan Grand Ballroom from 10am to 10pm.

On May 4-11, the Sabah Fest celebrations will be extended to the Sabah Museum Heritage Village whereby visitors will be entertained by various tribes through their traditional performances as well as enjoy the local delicacies.

There will also be rarely-seen rituals and rites performed by healers and high priestesses, such as the ‘Tumoron’ – a healing ceremony of the Rungus people and a mock wedding display of the Dusun Lotud ethic group, a ceremony known as ‘Matod’.

The Bajau Kubang community will perform the ‘Magpa’gal’ a traditional healing ceremony.

The grand finale of the Sabah Fest is on May 31 with the Tadau Kaamatan Festival.

Masidi said that the Sabah Fest is expected to lure a lot of visitors into the State, including tourists from overseas, particularly from Australia and Brunei.

He added that the fest is one of the State’s most anticipated cultural extravaganzas showcasing Sabah’s multiracial society, cultures and traditions.