Sabah Kaamatan Festival enters Malaysia Book of Records for longest non-stop celebration

 

MBOR representative Edwin Yeoh (fourth from left) presenting the MBOR recognition certificate to Joseph Pairin Kitingan (fifth from right) in recognition of the Sabah-level Kaamatan Festival 2026 as “The Longest Non-Stop Kaamatan Festival”- Photo courtesy of Sabah Information Department 

PENAMPANG: The Sabah-level Kaamatan Festival 2026 created history after receiving recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) as the "Longest Non-Stop Kaamatan Festival".

The recognition was awarded for the festival’s unique 17-day continuous celebration.

Meanwhile, the second day of the harvest festival drew about 50,000 visitors to the grounds and Hongkod Koisaan Hall of the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) here on Sunday.

The state-level Kaamatan closing ceremony began with a welcoming address by Huguan Siou Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, who is also KDCA president, followed by a speech by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

The highlight of the celebration was the recitation of the closing declaration by Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman.

Tun Musa later led the symbolic "Mongomot" harvesting ritual and the "Popoo’pi Pa’ai doid Tangkob" ceremony, which involved storing harvested padi into a tangkob, before striking the gong seven times to officially declare the close of this year’s Kaamatan Festival.

The ceremony continued with the Magavau ritual conducted by the Sabah Bobolian Association, followed by a choir performance by The Male Efficient alongside dignitaries singing "Tadau Tagazo Do Kaamatan".

Visitors were also treated to various cultural performances, including traditional dances from the Kuala Penyu, Kimaragang, Tuaran and Tenom heritage houses as well as performances by the Sabah Cultural Board (LKNS).

Also performing were Sabah State Secondary School Momoroisol (speech) competition champion Eklesia Dayana Daim and Sugandoi Songkotoun Kaamatan 2026 champion Ambrose Poisil.

Cheers erupted inside the hall during the appearance of the 53 finalists of the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2026 pageant.

The event concluded with an official visit by Tun Musa, Hajiji and distinguished guests to the ethnic traditional houses around the KDCA compound.

Among those present were the Chief Minister’s wife Datin Seri Juliah Salag, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, who is also Works and Utilities Minister, and State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong.