By DayakDaily Team
MIRI, June 3: Miri City will host the 2025 State-Level Gawai Dayak Traditions Carnival on June 12 and 13 at the FORUM Cultural Centre, promising to be one of the largest Gawai celebrations in the city, with thousands of attendees from across Sarawak expected.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report, organising chairman Dato Dennis Ngau explained that the choice of Miri as the venue aims to bring the festive Gawai spirit closer to the communities in northern Sarawak while offering an opportunity to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Dayak people to the younger generation and visitors.
“More than 13 traditional games and competitions will be featured throughout the two-day carnival,” he said during the 25th Edition Highlanders 2025 Closing Dinner on Monday (June 2) which was officiated by Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala.
According to Dennis, the carnival’s daytime events will include crowd favourites such as tug-of-war, blowpipe contests, and a variety of other traditional sports, with total prizes worth up to RM500,000.
On the evening of June 12, the main stage at the FORUM Cultural Centre will come alive with the Datun Julud traditional dance competition and a special Sape Duo performance. Entry to this cultural showcase will be free of charge.
The highlight of the carnival will be held on the night of June 13, featuring the Miss Gawai Sarawak 2025 pageant, which will bring together Gawai queens from across the State, including from Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, and Sri Aman.
“This prestigious event will be officiated by Sarawak Deputy Premier and chairman of the State Gawai Celebration Committee, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. The winner will walk away with a grand prize of RM15,000,” he revealed, adding that tickets for the pageant are priced at RM20 per person, excluding dinner.
Dennis also noted that parking within the FORUM grounds will be closed during the carnival to accommodate event activities.
As such, he encouraged visitors to park at the new bus terminal, where complimentary shuttle services will run from 6am to 12.30am on both days of the event.
“We want every guest to have a smooth and enjoyable experience throughout the carnival,” he added.
The carnival is poised to be one of the biggest Gawai celebrations in Miri’s history, promising a vibrant cultural experience for all attendees. — DayakDaily
