Venue: Kuching Waterfront
Start Date: 14 September 2012
End Date: 16 September 2012
Sarawak
Regatta has been a premier event with a distinct historical and
cultural significant. It was held as early as before 1872 and was
organized as an annual event taking place during the New Year. Sarawak
Gazette had recorded in 1872, that the annual Regatta that year was
held, on 29th February 1872 at the Sarawak River infront of the Astana.
The European community in Sarawak and in the neighboring countries were
invited to the Astana - for breakfast - before the race. Keen
competition were also recorded for the Rajah Cup. The boat 'Sri Matu'
built and manned by the Melanaus, was reported as the winning boat.
The
Gazette records provided the indication that Regatta had been an
important social event organized annually for social integration and
goodwill for the people of Sarawak. Prominent political figure, the late
Tan Sri Datuk Amar Ong Kee Hui, recorded that Rajah Charles Brooke used
to send his yacht Maimunah1 to outstation to bring in the various Tuan
Residents to join in the social event.
The
tradition of holding the annual Regatta in the Sarawak River continued
through the Colonial period and into the post-Malaysia period. During
these periods the Regatta was organized by Resident and District Office
with funds from the Government while the rest of the fund was raised
through public donations.
The
day programme include races for traditional longboats, dragon boats and
other activities, like the running of totolizers, climbing greasing
poles, catching ducks and pillow fights. Racing boats from outstations
made it a grand affair and also a great occasion for families from
outside the State Capital to visit Kuching town.
all the above images from my Olympus E620 & 70-300mm Zuiko lens.
Sarawak Regatta is in the eyes of the WORLD read here DEMOTIX
