Sarawak is a state that boasts of a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic society. The festivals celebrated in the region bears testimony to multiculturalism of the state; festivals like Chinese New Year, Christmas, Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, and National day. But then there are certain festivals that showcase the indigenous culture of Sarawak like Kaul, Gawai Dayak, Rainforest World Music Festival and Pesta Meow.
Kaul is celebrated in mid March or early April by the Melanau community. The festival is celebrated to placate the spirits at the beginning of the fishing season. During the festival boats packed with offerings to the spirits are floated on the sea. One of the highlights of the festival is the dangerous game of tibou that entails young men to swing from the end of a single 10-metre rope. The center of Kaul celebration is the town of Mukah.
Gawai Dayak is another popular festival of the region that marks the end of the rice harvest. The festival is celebrated during the month of May or June. The festival is much anticipated and women prepare indigenous delicacies a few days before the festival. The festival involves dancing and feasting, weddings and betrothals. If you visit Sarawak during this festival you can see the traditional customs, ceremonies, and traditional dresses if the indigenous people.
Rainforest World Music Festival is an extremely popular festival celebrated in the state, which attracts music lovers from all over the country and the world. The festival is held at the Sarawak Cultural Village, in the month of August.
Pesta Meow, celebrated in the month of November is held in Kuching. It is the local cat festival that is popular among the cat lovers.
Besides these, many events are also held in the region like Rainforest Cup Mountain Bike Challenge, Bau International Raft Race, Borneo Cup Motorcross Championship, and Sarawak International Triathlon.
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