A Showcase of the Rich Culture of the Kelabits Community
The Kelabits Live in Kuala Lumpur 2023
Following a successful event in 2022, once again the Kelabits were brought back to Kuala Lumpur for a 2-day cultural event, supported by The Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture. The event featured a remarkable showcase of traditional cultural performances by the Kelabit community. The RURUM Kelabit Sarawak performers, traveling all the way from Bario, Sarawak, mesmerized the audience with their dancing prowess and grace, adorned in traditional Sapa Arit attire and distinctive headdresses. The event also included sape performances and a warrior dance.
Beyond the captivating performances, the event offered a delightful culinary experience with Bario cuisine and showcased traditional handcrafts from the Kelabit community. This provided the audience with an immersive opportunity to explore and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the Kelabits.
The Kelabits, known for their close-knit and cheerful community, exhibit industrious and refined qualities. Renowned for their generous hospitality, they highly value family life and friendships. Despite transitioning to Christianity in the 1940s, the Kelabits have retained a plethora of colorful cultures, traditional dances, and crafts from their longstanding traditions.