Saturday, March 31, 2007

Cultural carnival in Tawau attracts thousands

By Ismail Hj Mansor

TAWAU - A total of 16 cultural associations around Tawau took part in the second annual Tawau Cultural Carnival.

The two-day carnival, which began on March 24, managed to draw thousands to witness cultural performances by ethnics groups at the town padang in Tawau.

Various exhibition stalls were set up displaying local handicrafts.

Demonstrations on traditional dances were also performed by various cultural associations such as the Chinese, Indian, Suluk, Bajau, Murut, Lundayeh, Kadazandusun, Tidung, Bolongan, Banjar, Kokos, Bugis, Timor, Toraja, Jawa and Iban.

A number of government agencies and departments also took part in the carnival.

Other highlights included a singing contest, a concert and a tug-of-war competition.

The Suluk association showcased a wedding ceremony at the main stage witnessed by the Sabah Assitant Minister of Rural Development, Datuk Haji Tawfiq Haji Abu Bakar Titingan, who also officiated the carnival.

In his opening address, Datuk Tawfiq pointed out that the main objective of holding the carnival was to give an opportunity to all cultural associations in Tawau to highlight their own culture as well as to introduce their handicrafts to the public especially to the tourists.


Courtesy of: Borneo Bulletin Weekend

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