Semporna's Regatta Lepa festival making a comeback after a 2-year hiatus

 By Olivia Miwil - December 9, 2021 @ 11:18am

This file pic dated April 28, 2015, shows participants taking part in the 22nd edition of the Regatta Lepa celebration in Semporna. -NSTP file pic

SEMPORNA: Regatta Lepa, an event that pays homage to traditional single-masted sailing boat of the Bajau Semporna, is making a comeback next week after a 2-year hiatus.

The festival was previously an annual event that showcases a flotilla of colourful boats dotting the Celebes Sea.

The celebration however will be held in a hybrid manner to comply with the Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP).

Semporna Bajau Arts Culture Organisation (PEKAS) chairman Datuk Nasir Sakaran said the festival has not been held for two years due to the pandemic.

He hoped that with its return, it could showcase the prominence of the Bajau tribe's tradition in Semporna.

"We will have various activities during the launch such as Igal-igal dance performance, Semporna Bajau cultural performance and singing in the Bajau language.

"The launching ceremony and celebration will be held in Semporna on Dec 17 and 18 and will not involve a large audience but will be held in a hybrid manner," Nasir told the media after a courtesy visit to Istana Seri Kinabalu yesterday.