Kalimatan » Entertainment » Festivals

Festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm in the Kalimantan region of Borneo. Traditions rule the festivities, whether it's independence from Dutch colonial rule or celebration of a good harvest. Dragon races, tasty food preparations, tribal dances, visits to relatives and friends are during such events. People in Kalimantan love to share their happiness with each other.

Erau Festival

The Erau is traditional, biennial cultural festival taking place in Tenggarong, Kalimantan to celebrate the Sultan of Kutai Kartanegara coronation. After the reign of the Sultanate ended in the mid 20th century, the people of the region continued celebrating the ceremony to preserve their traditions.

Gawai Dayak

Gawai Dayak is an annual festival celebrated by the Dayak people in Sarawak, Malaysia and West Kalimantan, Indonesia, from May end. Ceremonies are offered to thank the gods, and houses are decorated. On the day of the festival, cockfighting matches, blowpipe and ngajat competitions are held.

Robo - Robo

The traditional Robo - Robo ceremony, which translates into Wednesday, is from Mempawah, West Kalimantan. Held on the last week of Syafar Islamic month, it commemorates the arrival of the founder of Mempawah kingdom, Opu Daeng Manambon, from the Matan Kingdom to the Mempawah Kingdom on a water vessel some 270 years ago.

Imlek (Chinese New Year)

Chinese New Year celebrated in Indonesia is known as Imlek. Brought by the Chinese immigrants, they still practise the traditions handed down by their ancestors.

Cap Go Meh

When the first full moon occurs, the 15th day of the Lunar New Year is better known as the Cap Go Meh festivity in Indonesia. It is a vibrant 3-day festival held to underline the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Traditional Boat Race

Traditional boat races in the provincial capital of Banjarmasin celebrate Indonesia Independence Day (Hari Proklamasi) on August 17th. Locally known as Lomba perahu jukung, traditional, colourful boats race down the Martapura River cheered by enthusiastic crowds.

Derawan Island Festival

The Bajau tribe on the island of Derawan rejoice and offer prayers to their gods on this day for a prosperous life and healthy living conditions. It is held every October.