State and National Kaamatan Festivals - Let everyone join in the fun

ONE was a celebration, the other a show. That was the difference between the state and the national Tadau Kaamatan Festivals which were held a week apart in Sabah.

Both were successful in their own right. But, as far as being people-friendly was concerned, the national do at Padang Merdeka, Kota Kinabalu, on June 7 left much to be desired.

In contrast, the state-level event at the compound of the Kadazandusun Cultural Association building, on May 30 and May 31, focused on programmes which involved the public.

People from all walks of life were welcome to dance, sing and feast at the various exhibition homes provided by the hosts. Merrymaking was the order of the day.

But at Padang Merdeka the visitors were merely onlookers.

The main focus of the national do was on the exhibitions and shows prepared by the organisers, spearheaded by the Information, Communication and Culture Ministry.

Although highly entertaining, those involved in the performances, including the popular artistes, could not bring out the true meaning of the festival.

There was a lot of dancing and singing, but the problem was none of the thousands of visitors, who thronged the venue in the heart of the city, were involved.

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