Kaamatan reaches Sweden’s shores
Published on: Monday, June 24, 2024
By: Lorena Binisol
First Kaamatan in Sweden attended by 45 Sabahans across Europe.
Kota Kinabalu: The Kaamatan is being introduced to more faraway lands by Kadazan Dusuns from Sabah residing in these places.
For the first-time Tido-Lindo in Vasteras City, Sweden, witnessed the celebration due to the initiative of three Sabahans who have set up home there - Gail Labacci, Kee Gawah and Carolyn Chong Norsater.
ADVERTISEMENT
They started planning for it since last November and announced it in February this year after 45 fellow Sabahans living across Europe responded.
Carolyn sought assistance from others who had organised harvest festivals in the past such as Sabahans living in the UK and Australia whose efforts were carried in the Daily Express.
She believed there are 12 Sabahans residing in Sweden currently and possible more.
Sabahans in Victoria, Australia, celebrating Kaamatan with Mayor Shane.
“Kaansayan Ra Orou Napangan Nanantab 2024,” she greeted in Murut, when contacted.
ADVERTISEMENT
“One of the main motivations behind the initiative is to connect with more Sabahans and Malaysians residing in Europe,” she said.
Carolyn, who boasts Chinese and Murut heritage from Tenom said they hoped to create a platform for Sabahans and Malaysians to come together.
ADVERTISEMENT
“For us, the primary objective is to alleviate our homesickness by reuniting with fellow Sabahans.
It’s a chance to converse in our native language, enjoy Sabah music and indulge in our traditional cuisines such as Hinava (raw fish salad), Pinasakan (fish in sour gravy), Bambangan, Tuhau and many other delights.
“But the best and thrilling part is reconnecting with our fellow countrymen and women,” she said.
The event helped relieve their longing for traditional food and the celebration, itself, featuring Sumazau dance, traditional music, and a variety of traditional games.
It was actively participated and even included a beauty pageant, arm wrestling, tug-of-war, a singing competition known as Sugandoi and traditional dances.
Traditional delicacies from Sabah were flown in such as the rice wine (Lihing) and pickled items, among others.
She thanked friends from Sabah, Stephanie and Neekoh Koh, who flew to Sweden with these delicacies that they missed.
Living in Vasteras City made it convenient for both Carolyn and Gail to meet and coordinate their work. It is in the centre of Sweden and close to Stockholm the capital.
Carolyn from Kg Pulong, Tenom, has been residing in Europe for 20 years since marrying a Swede.
She is an Accounts Assistant and has a passion for singing, being an active member of the Sweet Adeline International Barbershop Chorus which she previously served as choir president.
“I am still singing as a hobby and we compete every year. Next is the Nordic Championship which I will be participating,” she said.
She encouraged her son Ryan, 16 to learn Bahasa Malaysia and Murut as a way to connect with her roots.
Some of the Sabahans who attended were Laimes Jali (Kudat) living in Finland; Nelda Hendon (Penampang) from United Kingdom; Patricia Benjamin (Keningau) Norway; Abdullah Mujahid (Likas) Sweden; Flores Tamin (Penampang) Germany; Kee Gawah (Kuala Penyu) Sweden; Syazwan Shabirin (Beaufort) Sweden and Christina Langgayang (Ranau) Norway.
She acknowledged contributions and advice from Joanna Kitingan, Margaret Kibat, Mag KK, Maison Chelle Perfume, Jenddy Sanggau, Shirley Otion-Nambiar, DC
Event Management, Sabahan Abroad UK, Sabahan Abroad Australia for assisting them to realise their first Kaamatan.
Across the world in Australia, the Borneo Cultural Organisation (BCO) held a Kaamatan celebration at the McIntosh Centre Hall in Shepparton.
The event aimed to unite the people of Borneo, including Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan who share similarities in cultures and languages.
Its President Mosses Paul Anap said BCO was formed in 2023 to provide a platform for the Bornean community, initially focusing on Sabahans residing in Australia.
“It is crucial to foster our own community so that we can support each other, especially during challenging times,” he said, acknowledging the various reasons that brought Sabahans to Australia, including education, employment, safety, rights, or religious concerns.
The Festival themed “Togetherness Brings Unity” was organised under the leadership of Youngcrippen Lohindun.
The event brought together various Sabahan organisations, including the Persatuan Murut in Australia, Rungus in Australia, and KadazanDusun in Australia.
Shepparton Mayor Cr Shane Sali, Sam Birrel and a representative from the KadazanDusun Cultural Association, George Mojigoh, attended.
The event showcased the rich cultural heritage of Sabah, celebrating the diversity and traditions of the Bornean people.
Mosses emphasised BCO’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of Sabahans in Australia and preserving the unique cultural identity of the Bornean people.
“We aim to promote our cultural heritage internationally and contribute to the development of tourism in Sabah,” he said.
“The Sabah Harvest Festival in Shepparton serves as a testament to the resilience and unity of the Sabahan community, who have found a way to celebrate their traditions and maintain their cultural ties despite being far from home.”
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
.jpg)
.jpg)
