Pesta Kaamatan is a regional public holiday observed in the state of Sabah and territory of Labuan on May 30th and 31st each year. Kaamatan or Pesta Kaamatan is a harvest festival celebrated by the ethnic Kadazan-Dusuns, as well as by other related ethnic groups in the state. The Kadazan-Dusun are the largest indigenous group in Sabah.
Kaamatan dates back to a time when most of Sabah’s tribes held animistic beliefs and is one of
the few surviving legacies of the old tribal way of life in Sabah. The festival lasts for the whole month of May, ending with two days of public holidays. Pesta Kaamatan is the time for thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest and also the time for a get-together, to feast and to renew communal relationships. Representatives from each district come out in numbers while donning traditional costumes, showcasing Sabah’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.
Though a centuries-old festival, its celebrations are quite modern, with a highlight being a beauty pageant known as Unduk Ngadau. There are also dance performances, singing contests and a bodybuilding competition as well as other arts and crafts performances. Competitions such as hitting the gong and folk sports have also become one of the main events in this festival.
Wishing all Sabahans and residents of Labuan a joyous and prosperous Pesta Ka’amatan. Celebrated on the 30th and 31st of May each year, may this Harvest Festival bring you abundant blessings, happiness, and a bountiful harvest. Selamat Hari Ka’amatan!
Source from here
