By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 7: The iconic Irau Aco Lun Bawang (Lun Bawang Festival) is set to make a vibrant return for its 38th edition from June 1 to 3 at the Lawas Indoor Stadium, with over 3,000 participants and more than 20,000 visitors expected to converge for the grand cultural celebration.
Organised annually by the Lun Bawang Association of Sarawak, the festival will feature over 50 exciting activities throughout the week, showcasing the rich culture, unity, and heritage of the Lun Bawang community.
The Irau Aco Lun Bawang – meaning Lun Bawang Celebration – stands as one of Sarawak’s longest-running ethnic festivals.
It is officially endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, supported by the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), and proudly listed in the Sarawak Tourism Calendar. It also falls under the purview of the Limbang Division Tourism Task Force Group.
This year’s edition carries the theme ‘Honouring Heritage, Embracing Tomorrow’.
In a statement today, newly appointed Lun Bawang Association of Sarawak president Jerry Siran Langan emphasised that beyond preserving cultural heritage, the festival brings significant economic impact to Lawas each year.
“Irau Aco Lun Bawang continues to be a much-anticipated cultural event in the northern region. As we look to the future, I hope the festival will continue to flourish as a platform to showcase the richness of Lun Bawang identity, arts, and tradition,” he said.
Festival-goers can look forward to a dynamic programme that blends traditional and modern elements—ranging from football, volleyball, badminton, tug-of-war, and blowpipe competitions to lively evening Cultural Nights featuring traditional performances from Lun Bawang and Lundayeh communities in Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei (Temburong), and Kalimantan, Indonesia.
Other ethnic groups including the Kedayan, Bisaya, Tagal Okolod, and Murut will also take part in the colourful cultural showcase.
A major highlight is the annual Ruran Ulung & Padan Liu Burung contest, which celebrates legendary figures from Lun Bawang folklore. The current titleholders are Grace Benjamin of Lawas Damit and Malvin Murang of Ba’ Kelalan, crowned in 2024.
This year also marks the fourth consecutive term of Jude Benjamin Lisa as organising chairman, under whose leadership the festival has transformed significantly and gained greater recognition as one of Sarawak’s top ethnic festivals.
“Funding festivals like Irau Aco is vital not only to preserve cultural heritage but to drive sustainable impact for local businesses and communities. We’re excited to welcome everyone to Lawas this June,” said Jude.
The festival plan was recently presented to the Limbang Resident Office and witnessed by Hajah Aspalela Mohamad Sahmoni along with key government representatives from the division.
Sponsorship opportunities are now open for corporate and community partners eager to support this meaningful cultural event with growing regional reach. — DayakDaily
