 |
Events
& Festivals 2000 |
| May |
 |
• Labor Day
(May 1)
(Nationwide Public
Holiday)
This is the day when all workers of a nation are recognized and appreciated for their
efforts.
• Wesak Day
(May 18)
(Nationwide Public
Holiday)
This is the most important day in the Buddhist calendar as it commemorates the birth,
enlightenment and death of the lord Buddha. Celebrations begin before dawn when devotees
gather in temples. It is a time for prayers, offerings, meditations, and the giving of
alms to monks. A significant act during this festival is the releasing of doves and
tortoises at the temples.
• Labuan Sea
Challenge
(May 20 - May 31)
 Those who loved the underwater world will enjoy the Labuan Sea Challenge. This
is an exciting event held over a 10-day period. There’s an Underwater Treasure Hunt,
Labuan International Big Game Fishing Tournament and the Labuan Jet Sport Challenge.
• Harvest Festival
(May 30-31)
(Public Holiday in
Labuan & Sabah)
Also known as the Kaamantan Festival, the harvest festival marks the best time to
visit the state of Sabah and is mainly celebrated by the Dusun and Kadazan tribes. It is a
day of thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest of the season and signifies the beginning of
the planting season. According to legend, a couple had sacrificed their daughter to help
feed their community when food was scarce. The daughter was buried and after a few
seasons, one half of her remains turned into padi stalks while the other half bore several
types of edible plants. Apart from the spiritual aspect, the harvest festival is also a
time for fun and merry making. This month-long fun and feasting is also supplemented with
exhibitions, agricultural shows, buffalo races, cultural performances and traditional
games.
• Colours of Malaysia
2000
(May 27 - June 26)
 It is a month-long celebration of culture, arts and traditions involving the
multi-racial and multi-ethnic communities in Malaysia. There will be a spectacular parade
bearing the theme “Citrawarna Malaysia” or “Colours of Malaysia” in
Kuala Lumpur.
• Sabah Kaamtan
Festival
(May 30 - May 31)
 On this day, the indigenous Kadazan-Dusun of Sabah offers thanksgiving for a
bountiful harvest. It is a day of ancient traditions, rites and customs. A cleansing and
blessing ritual performed by the Bobohizan (high priestess) called the “Magavau”
is a captivating ritual. Other highlights include a cultural dance and a beauty pageant.
Top of Page |
