Betong Food and Art Festival 2023 to celebrate Iban culture, unique traditional food

Gerald (second right) during the press conference at Betong District Office on April 30, 2023. Also seen is Dr Richard (second left). Photo credit: Ukas

BETONG, May 2: The inaugural Betong Food and Art Festival 2023 (BeFS Fest 2023) being held from June 30 to July 2 will provide a new platform to showcase local ethnic culture, particularly the Iban community, as well as promote the distinct traditional food of Betong.

The festival which is organised by Betong District Office in collaboration with Gerempung Tuai Rumah N.36 Layar and Betong Metro Polytechnic, will take place at Dataran Tasik Medan.

In a news report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Development Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu said the festival represents the first of its kind to highlight the rich cultural heritage of the Iban people including the unique food in Betong to visitors.

“If the festival is well-received, we plan to hold it annually where we can also include unique performances or other forms of artistic expression from outside and create a vibrant and lively place for everyone,” he said in a press conference at Betong District Office on Sunday (April 30).

Some 50 stalls for food and drinks as well as handicrafts will be made available for rent at the festival site.

Gerald, who is also Layar assemblyman, added that many activities will be organised throughout June and July in Betong.

Among them are Gawai-related programmes, Gawai Dayak open house, Gawai parade and the Sarawak Merdeka convoy.

He also thanked Betong MP Dr Richard Rapu for supporting the organisation of the festival. — DayakDaily