Kaamatan Harvest Festival:
Lifestyle

Kaamatan Harvest Festival: Celebrating Sabah Rich Culture

When Is Kaamatan Celebrated?

Kaamatan, also known as the Harvest Festival, is celebrated every year on May 30 and 31 in Sabah, Malaysia. It’s a public holiday in Sabah and Labuan, and the festivities often last the entire month of May.

This traditional festival is a time of giving thanks for a bountiful rice harvest and is deeply rooted in the Kadazan-Dusun community, one of the largest indigenous groups in Sabah.

What Happens During the Kaamatan Harvest Festival?

pesta keamatan
@amazingborneo


Kaamatan is more than just a harvest celebration—it’s a cultural showcase filled with traditional music, dance, food, and rituals. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Magavau Ceremony: A ritual led by the bobohizan (priestess) to invite and appease the spirits.
  • Sumazau Dance: A graceful traditional dance performed in traditional attire.
  • Unduk Ngadau: A beauty pageant that celebrates not just physical beauty but cultural knowledge and grace.
  • Traditional Sports: Including blowpipe contests, arm wrestling, and tug-of-war.

Food is also a big part of Kaamatan! Think rice wine (tapai), hinava (raw fish salad), and barbecued meats shared with family and friends.

Kaamatan Traditional Clothes

sumandak sabah wearing traditional clothes
@sumandaksabah

Kaamatan isn’t complete without the stunning display of traditional attire, especially among the Kadazan-Dusun community. The most iconic outfit is the Sinuangga, typically worn by women. This black velvet dress is adorned with gold trimmings, silver coins, and intricate beadwork that symbolises prosperity and cultural pride.

Men usually wear the Gaung, a long-sleeved shirt paired with a sigah (a traditional headgear folded in a triangle shape) and a woven belt. These outfits are not only symbolic but are also a proud representation of Sabah’s indigenous heritage during the festival. In recent years, modern takes on these traditional pieces have also become popular, blending heritage with contemporary fashion.

Malaysian Celebrities Who Celebrate Pesta Kaamatan

While Kaamatan is a cultural event rooted in Sabah, many local celebrities show their support and appreciation—especially those from Sabah and Sarawak. Malaysian actress and singer Marsha Milan, of Kadazan-Dusun descent, is known to honour the festival every year, often donning traditional wear and sharing her Kaamatan experiences on social media.

Other personalities like Bella Astilah, Velvet Aduk (AF3 alumni) and Stacy Anam have also embraced the celebration publicly, using their platforms to spotlight the importance of indigenous culture and unity. Their participation helps bring greater awareness to Kaamatan, especially among younger Malaysians across the country.

Why Kaamatan Is Important Today

Kaamatan isn’t just about honoring the harvest—it’s a reminder of cultural unity, identity, and gratitude. In a modern world, festivals like Kaamatan help younger generations reconnect with their roots and appreciate Sabah’s rich heritage.

Ready to Celebrate?

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, Kaamatan is the perfect way to experience Sabah’s heart and soul. So don your best baju tradisi, sip some tapai, and join the celebration!