Calendar of Events

Source from Rodger

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The Ibans has many festivals called “Gawai”; festivals such as 'Gawai Dayak' (harvesting festival). ‘Gawai Kenyalang’ (hornbill festival), and 'Gawai Antu' (festival for the dead).

'Gawai Dayak' (Also celebrated among other tribes)

It is the most significant festival celebrated by the Ibans on the evening of 31^st May. It marks the end of rice harvest and is considered a New Year celebration. A row of procession will be conducted; a basket of household item will be dumped on the ground as a “sacrifice” to chase evil spirits away, then a chicken will be sacrificed to show their gratitude for good harvest and request for good harvest the following year. After these processions, dinner will be served and another procession will be done just before midnight to welcome the gods to the festival. Tourists are invited to the join this celebration the next day and there are several activities that visitors can entertainment themselves with, such as cock fighting and trying out the traditional blowpiping. Tuak will be served to them as well. Visitors can indulge themselves with the delicious treats while watching the traditional dances during this festive celebration.