Kaamatan Festival
The Kaamatan Festival is an annual celebration held in Sabah, Malaysia, primarily by the Kadazan-Dusun community. It typically takes place in May and marks the end of the rice harvest season. The festival is a time for gratitude, where people honor the rice spirit, known as Bambaazon, and celebrate the abundance of their harvest through various cultural activities.
During the festival, visitors can enjoy traditional music, dance performances, and local food. One of the highlights is the Unduk Ngadau beauty pageant, which showcases the cultural heritage of the Kadazan-Dusun people. The Kaamatan Festival serves as a vital platform for preserving and promoting indigenous traditions and fostering community spirit.