Sabah Fest – A Cultural Extravaganza is back with ‘AKI NABALU’

KOTA KINABALU, Apr 22, 2014: The much awaited cultural extravaganza - Sabah Fest returns with another spectacular show highlighting Sabah’s diversity in cultures, traditions and the people. The theme for this year is ‘AKI NABALU’, event will be held from 2nd to 4th of May 2014 at the Kompleks Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara (JKKN) Sabah Auditorium, starting at 8PM.

Take a journey back in time to witness the art of rituals as Sabah Fest this year showcases seven ethnic groups in Sabah that rely on Mount Kinabalu as a central feature in their traditional, cultural and religious beliefs.

The KadazanDusun community opens the curtain with the Pampang, which tells the origin of Mount Kinabalu and mankind. They believe that Mount Kinabalu was created by the female supreme deity, Umunsumundu, while the male supreme deity, Kinoingan or Kinarohingan, created the sky.

Imbued with its mythical elements, Mount Kinabalu is featured predominantly in local folklore, still holding  sway in both the spiritual and secular life of many indigenous communities.  The show will then feature the Dusun Ranau ritual, the Monolob, appeasing the Spirits of the Aki Nabalu. A rice-honouring ritual known as the Humabot is the performed by the Kadazan people of Penampang. The ritual is conducted to summon the spirit of the Bambaazon.

The Bajau, Dusun Tindal and Iranun will then gather at the meeting point or Badi, today known as the Tamu or open-air market. During all the social gatherings, Mount Kinabalu has stood tall and majestic serving as backdrop as the people went on with their daily lives. The audience will also be treated to the Mongkidim do hatod, the Rungus ritual performed to call upon the spirit of a sick person. The Dusun Lotod will perform Mohlukas, a housewarming ceremony. The spectacular Sabah Fest stage performance wraps up with a healing ritual of the Murut Nabai, called Mansilai.

In addition, this-three day event will also highlight our Sabah’s culture through traditional music and dance performances of various ethnic groups from 5:00PM to 10:00PM. Sabah Fest is also the perfect time to see Sabah’s talented craft-makers and artisans at work. Visitors at Kadaiku – Sabah Souvenirs and Handicrafts at Sinsuran Complex in Kota Kinabalu, can meet weavers, bead makers, musicians and artist from around Sabah all throughout the month.

Pocket performances

Also in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2014 (VMY2014), Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn. Bhd. will also collaborate with shopping malls to have 30 minutes Sabah Fest 2014 Pocket Shows showcase in the month of May.

Don’t miss the annual premier event, shocasing Sabah’s vibrant cultural heritage, history and tradition in thrilling theatrical performances, dance and music, Find out mote info at www.sabahfest.com.

 

 

*Tickets for the stage performance are available at RM50 per show. The show starts at 8:00PM. Please contact Susah Shahira, Event Manager of Sri Pelancongan Sabah at telephone number  088 232121, or fax 088265540 or email shahira@sabahtourism.com