Regatta Lepa more than just a celebration: Liew
Regatta Lepa more than just a celebration: Liew
Kota Kinabalu:
The annual Regatta Lepa festival in Semporna is not merely a cultural and tourism event but also a symbol of identity, artistry and harmony of the State's diverse communities.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew said this year's event, its 30th edition with the theme Marian Addat Bangsa Ta or Our Cultural Festival, would be a historic milestone.
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'The State Government remains committed to supporting and empowering culture-based programmes as part of a sustainable and inclusive tourism development strategy.
'Regatta Lepa is not just a tourism event but also a platform to strengthen cultural identity, boost the local economy and unite people from various backgrounds through cultural appreciation,' she said at the launch of the Regatta Lepa 2025, here, Monday.
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Also present were Semporna District Officer Alexander Liew, Senior Assistant Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (Kepkas) Muhammad Sufi Kaim who represented the Ministry's Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai, Senallang Community Development Leader (PPM) Rasdeh Sabardin, Sulabayan District Chief Abdul Majid Palah and Sulabayan PPM Datuk Hajan Gurimbang.
Liew highlighted that one of the most significant additions to this year's celebration was the successful hosting of Igalthon on June 21 at Padang Pekan Semporna.
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'The performance featured 1,000 dancers performing the traditional Igal dance, all dressed in traditional attire and moving gracefully in synchronised choreography.
'What's even more remarkable is that the performance will be recorded in the Malaysia Book of Records as the Largest Igal Dance Performance in Malaysia, and for the Highest Number of Igal Dancers.
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'This achievement is clear evidence that local culture remains vibrant and can be elevated to the national level, thanks to strong collaboration between the community, government agencies and cultural enthusiasts,' she said.
Running from June 24 to 29, the festival features a programme of workshops, symposiums, traditional ceremonies and cultural performances designed to engage locals and visitors alike.
Central to the event is the lepa, a traditional single-mast boat, elaborately decorated and paraded along Semporna's waters in a vivid celebration of Bajau craftsmanship.
Among the highlights are the Regatta Lepa workshop and symposium at the Tun Sakaran Museum, the Sangom Maglami-lami community celebration and the Ratu Lepa 2025 pageant. Exhibitions by government agencies, local artisans and entrepreneurs will also provide opportunities for cultural exchange and economic growth.
The festival will culminate at Dataran Regatta Lepa with a grand parade of ornately decorated lepa boats, followed by the Sangom Mairan evening event featuring an awards ceremony, cultural performances and a fireworks display.
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