KUCHING: The Bisaya Pesta Babulang and its famous Buffalo Race may make a comeback in Limbang this year after a two-year hiatus.
The Sarawak Bisaya Association president Joseph Blandoi, however said, the staging is subject to the latest Covid-19 situation.
In a statement here today, he said its supreme council in a recent meeting had outlined the festival and race as among the main events in its activities calendar this year.
He said since the Covid-19 pandemic two years ago, many activities had either been shelved or put on the backburner, including its 50th anniversary celebration last year.
"We may have to modify the holding of our festival this year where several events will be held either physically or virtually or in hybrid manner.
"This shall be possible with technology. Some of the events which are normal parts of the festival can be split up spread throughout the year.
"Such options are inevitable to avoid overcrowding to comply with the health standard operating procedures (SOP)," he said.
However, Joseph added that premier events such as the buffalo race, cultural night stage shows and the "Panakod Babulang" (receiving of the Guest of Honour) would be carried out from June 3 to 5.
"These are very popular with tourists from Brunei, Labuan, Sabah and from Sarawak itself," he said.
Joseph said other activities lined up are the opening of the association building, a development seminar/workshop, "Rakit Babulang" (rafting), Babulang charity golf, fun run and the annual appreciation dinner.
Pesta Babulang means Harvest Festival in the language of the Bisayas, an Orang Ulu ethnic group found in Limbang, (northern Sarawak), Sabah and Brunei.
The festival marks the end of the harvesting season and a bountiful harvest and welcomes a new farming cycle.
