Last Friday, I received a "SMS" in Kadazan from a friend. It said " Kotobian tadau tagazo do kaamatan. Aramaitii !!! (Happy harvest festival - be happy!). I realized it was Harvest Festival ! Most of the Sabah ethnic groups especially the Kadazan-Dusun would celebrate with the public in the compound of their Cultural center. 
The entrance to the Cultural center.
Kadazan-Dusun is the major ethnic group in Sabah. They are the biggest wet and hill rice cultivators. 
The kadazan-Dusun elders displaying their harvest and handcrafts in a "mock-up" house.
Showing off their skill in making bamboo musical instrutments
Ladies dressed in their traditional costume waiting for "Sumazau" (traditional Kadazan dance) 
These gentlemen waited patiently for the ladies to invite them to Sumazau. 
The home brewed "Rice wine".
Friendly ladies posed for the camera - happy and smiling, enjoying the celebtration.
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The second largest ethinic group of Sabah, the Murut. They put up a colourful strong team for this event. 
The kadazan-Dusun elders displaying their harvest and handcrafts in a "mock-up" house.Showing off their skill in making bamboo musical instrutmentsLadies dressed in their traditional costume waiting for "Sumazau" (traditional Kadazan dance) These gentlemen waited patiently for the ladies to invite them to Sumazau. The home brewed "Rice wine".Friendly ladies posed for the camera - happy and smiling, enjoying the celebtration..
Dressed in their best.
Young Murut warriors
"Head hunters" in their full gear. 
I prefer them to the Head hunters! 
Another ethinic group - Tombonuo from Pitas in the northern part of Borneo. 
The Dusun Puawang of Kota Marudu
"Bajau" performing their traditional dance.
The "Rungus" who are best known for their beautiful bead-works..
Apart from enjoying the traditional dances and songs, there were plenty of "shopping", from traditional handicrafts to the daily items
Some of the "shops".
Beside shopping, there are plenty to eat and drink. JC Burger, a local franchise was a favourite.
Iced cold sweet drink and pan cakes stall.
BBQ
Nescafe took the opportunity to set up a stage to advertise it's product with a "live" performace. .
It was a very hot day, average about 35C but the heat did not stop the crowd from joining-in the celebration.
This advertisment caught my eyes. 
This young man, Felix, a local Sabah "Star" was busy signing autographs and posing with his fans.
Another attraction was the arms wrestling. Visitors were invited to participate the competition. It was a tough fight for these 2 ladies. Guess who win? 
The young lady in black won the match!
The young lady in black won the match!.
This was a crowd puller. Visitors were entertained with non-stop music and songs by local artists.
Free parking for those who come to visit the center. Cars were parked on the road divider!. Our Traffic police had to close "one eye" since the center has inadequate parking for all. 
Free parking for those who come to visit the center. Cars were parked on the road divider!. Our Traffic police had to close "one eye" since the center has inadequate parking for all. It was a good show put up by all the ethnic groups. I wish them all the best and "Kotobian tadau tagazo do kaamatan. Aramaitii !!! "
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