Sarawak Regatta

This picture was taken by my brother last 2 years in Sarawak Regatta event. This picture is show longboat racing or ‘Lumbak Perahuk Panjang’ in Sarawak language. I choose this picture because it is very unique and also gives significant when all people gather in one place to watch the great local event. I have been stay in Sarawak for almost 20 years because my parent working here and of course Sarawak’s people has much culture to tell everyone. First of all, Sarawak regatta is one of most great event in Sarawak and it held once a year. From the history, Sarawak regatta took place since 1872 and held in Kuching, the capital city of Sarawak. The Sarawak regatta event become as annual event that organized by Kuching Resident Office which is DBKS (Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Selatan). The event is about the showcase of boat race with participation from various government agencies, private sector and also include participants from overseas such as Indonesia and Brunei.
There are many activities held during the Sarawak regatta event include races for traditional longboats, dragon boats and other activities, like the running of totalizers, climbing greasing poles, catching ducks and pillow fights. The event usually happened in 3 days and taking place during new Year. The first day would be for rivals because they are many teams participate and last day is for semi and final and also the closing ceremony. The picture shows that longboat race with category 30 paddlers. There are many categories of longboat race like 10, 15, 20 paddler’s men and women, and also mixed between men and women. They will many participants because it opens to all and everyone can send their team and they will have fees registration. The winner of longboat race with 30 paddlers would be named as ‘Raja Sungai’ or king of river for that year. The prizes are also quiet good because it is one of program liked by Chief Minister of Sarawak.
There are some elements that special about longboat race in