(From left) Sarawak Deputy Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, STF president Audry Wan Ullok and project leader Yvonne Saman looking at details of the Gawai Dayak open house. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: The rich culture and traditions of Sarawak's Iban community will be on show at the Sarawak Tourism Federation's (STF) Gawai Dayak open house in June.
STF president Audry Wan Ullok said the open house would take place at Rumah Matop longhouse in Betong, about 246km from here, on June 9.
She said this would be STF's second Gawai open house after holding the first one at Kampung Taee, Serian, in 2019.
STF also previously hosted open houses for Chinese New Year, Hari Raya and Christmas.
"Our STF open house campaign aims to promote the rich cultural diversity of Sarawak and highlight the unique traditions and customs of the four main annual celebrations, which are Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Gawai Dayak and Christmas.
"In partnership with local communities, visitors will have the chance to experience the warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage of the various ethnic groups in Sarawak," she told a press conference here on Wednesday (April 26).
Project leader Yvonne Saman said guests would receive a traditional welcome led by longhouse chief Anyie Rajit, followed by the miring (sacrifice) ritual and ngajat (dance) performance.
She said visitors would also get to taste traditional Iban cuisine and participate in cultural performances at the historic longhouse, which was built in 1941 from belian (ironwood) pillars.
"In addition, there will be a grand Gawai parade in Betong town the next day, organised by the Betong Resident's Office in collaboration with local communities," she said.
State Deputy Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu said the people of Betong looked forward to welcoming visitors for the Gawai celebration.
"Gawai is for everyone, not just the Dayaks. This is a good platform to show that Sarawak is a real place of unity," he said.
STF has come up with a three-day two-night tour package for visitors to the open house, which includes visits to Betong's Fort Lily and a pepper farm, accommodation and transport.
Visitors can also travel to Betong on their own without the package. For more information, go to www.sarawak.travel/openhouse.
