KOTA KINABALU: Tuaran will host this year's state-level launch of the month-long Kaamatan Festival celebration.
Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, who is also the State Kaamatan Festival Main Organising Chairman, announced this after chairing the main organising committee meeting here today.
"The month-long celebration that takes place in May every year is traditionally celebrated by indigenous communities in Sabah, particularly the Kadazandusun.
"However, the celebration is also celebrated by all communities irrespective of their religious beliefs and races.
"This year's theme is 'Kaamatan Membudayakan Perpaduan' (Kaamatan Inculturates Unity), which was unanimously agreed upon by committee members," he said in a statement.
Tuaran district is located in the west coast of Sabah, about 30km from Kota Kinabalu city centre.
Kitingan, who is also state Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister, said the climax of the celebration will be held at the Sabah Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Hall in Penampang on May 30 and 31.
Among the main highlights of Kaamatan festival are Unduk Ngadau pageant, Sugandoi (singing contest), cultural activities, and traditional sports.
Kitingan hoped the highlighting of cultural arts and activities during the celebration will attract more visitors from within and outside the country.