With an ethnicity rich and racially integrated society like Sabah Malaysia, it was its State Government goal to promote the importance of culture in its development agenda. With that, the first Sabah International Folkore Festival was held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia between May 29 to June 2nd 2001. This coincided with both the Kaamatan (Harvest) Festival of Sabah and the Colours of Malaysia Month. The first folklore festival kicked off with 11 countries participating namely from Malaysia, Poland, Taiwan, Austria, Croatia, Canada, Mali, Agentina, Brunei, China and Turkey.
A presentation of the folklore festival was held at the Sunday Gaya Street Market on June 3rd 2001 where I happened to be at. As this was taken some 11 years ago, I am unable to identify the countries but do enjoy the photos.
The 6th Sabah International Folklore Festival will be held on 8th – 17th July 2012 so if you are in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, do drop by and enjoy cultural dances from across the globe in the beautiful land of KK.
